Current burden of stroke pathology Medical data from 2022 recorded approximately 196,000 new cases and 167,000 deaths due to stroke in Vietnam. Notably, the condition is showing a trend toward younger patients, with individuals under 50 accounting for about 16% of cases. Primary risk factors identified include hypertension, environmental pollution, smoking habits, high-sodium diets, and sedentary lifestyles.
Expansion of specialized treatment networks The stroke emergency and treatment system in Vietnam has seen robust growth, increasing from 12 units in 2016 to over 150 units by early 2026. To further optimize effectiveness, the Medical Examination and Treatment Management Administration has established a strategic partnership with the private sector to implement a three-year quality improvement program (2026 – 2028).
Key focus areas of the cooperation program The program focuses on technical and organizational solutions to improve patient survival rates:
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Training and Standardization: Transferring clinical techniques according to international standards and developing quality criteria for stroke management.
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Optimizing the “Golden Hour”: Standardizing admission and referral protocols between treatment tiers to minimize the time from onset to intervention.
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Technology Application: Implementing data tools and clinical decision-support software to enhance diagnostic accuracy.
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Community Prevention: Promoting communication to help the public recognize early warning signs and control personal health indicators.