On January 30, 2026, the General Department of Preventive Medicine (Ministry of Health) officially entered into a five-year strategic partnership with Bayer Vietnam and Long Châu Pharmacy Network. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in leveraging private resources to address stroke — the leading cause of mortality and disability in Vietnam.
Program objectives and scope
The initiative, titled “Enhancing Prevention, Early Detection, and Management of Stroke Risks in Vietnam,” is designed with a long-term vision through 2030. Key focus areas include:
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Public Awareness: Developing standardized information systems regarding stroke warning signs and emergency responses.
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Community Screening: Organizing periodic screenings and professional consultations to detect underlying conditions such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes.
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Digital Health Integration: Utilizing technology for monitoring health risks and evaluating the effectiveness of preventive interventions.
Strategic roles of partners
This tripartite model capitalizes on the specific strengths of each entity:
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Department of Preventive Medicine: Provides clinical guidance and standardizes consultation and risk management protocols at the grassroots level.
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Bayer Vietnam: Contributes global expertise and innovative healthcare solutions in cardiovascular care.
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Long Châu Pharmacy Network: Acting as a “healthcare touchpoint” with over 2,400 pharmacies and 200 vaccination centers, the network facilitates direct access to screening and education across 34 provinces.
Context and urgency
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that Vietnam faces a high stroke mortality rate, exceeding 167 cases per 100,000 people. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of strokes among younger populations poses a growing challenge to the public health system.
The launch of this program in early 2026 is expected to establish a robust preventive framework, empowering citizens to manage their health within the “golden hour” and reducing the socio-economic burdens associated with this condition.