In May 2023, Pfizer Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Vietnam Pediatrics Association (VPA) to strengthen the capability of pediatric healthcare professionals in the Southeast Asian country during the 2023-2026 period. The MOU will also enhance interdisciplinary coordination and instruct medical workers to use antibiotics safely and effectively.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria caused over 30% of all pediatric fatalities of children under 5 years old worldwide in 2019. In Vietnam, these preventable diseases kill around 33,000 children aged under five annually.
According to the president of the VPA, the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the unpredictability of the disease model, which challenges pediatric healthcare. In Vietnam, infectious illnesses are leading the disease hierarchy, especially respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, and seasonal epidemics. Besides, non-communicable diseases, such as congenital diseases and cancer, are also burdening patients and society. Therefore, it is critical to allocate appropriate resources to ensure equitable, efficient, and high-quality pediatric healthcare.
Pfizer has long been known as a leader in areas like infection, oncology, rare diseases, immunology and inflammation, internal medicine, cardiology, vaccines. Through the MOU, the company is expected to provide up-to-date knowledge and enhance experiences in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the field of pediatrics nationwide by organizing many well-designed activities such as conference series and online training sessions.
(Sources: Vietnamnews, Pfizer)
