The Ministry of Health (MoH) has proposed a new law focused on disease prevention to tackle the rising health challenges in Vietnam, especially the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These diseases, which now account for 70% of all deaths in the country, are placing immense pressure on the healthcare system.
Surge in Non-Communicable Diseases
According to a recent MoH report, conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are on the rise, contributing to significant health challenges for the population. Cardiovascular diseases alone are responsible for around 200,000 deaths annually in Vietnam. These illnesses are often preventable, yet they continue to grow, particularly among the younger population.
The report highlights alarming statistics: nearly 50.3% of individuals aged 40 to 69 are at high risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, with only 40.8% of these individuals receiving the necessary advice and treatment for prevention. Furthermore, 19.5% of the population is classified as overweight, and 2.1% are obese. The rates of obesity and overweight individuals have surged from 12% in 2010 to 19.6% in 2020.
In addition to the growing obesity rate, about 44.1% of adults are either diagnosed with high cholesterol or are on medication to manage their cholesterol levels. Experts attribute these trends to environmental factors, stress, poor lifestyle choices, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy diets rich in meat and fried foods.
Impact on Younger Population
While Vietnam has seen improvements in living conditions, this has been accompanied by an increase in lifestyle-related health issues, particularly among younger people. At Hanoi Heart Hospital, the number of cardiovascular cases has grown by 10-20% annually. Dr. Nguyen Sinh Hien, president of the Hanoi Cardiovascular Association, warns that cardiovascular diseases are now the leading cause of death globally, surpassing even cancer. In Vietnam, approximately 25% of adults suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease, with a significant number of heart attacks occurring in individuals under the age of 40.
Similarly, diabetes is rapidly increasing, with around 500,000 people in Hanoi alone living with the disease, while 1.5 million more are in the prediabetic stage. However, Dr. Nguyen Dinh Hung, deputy director of the Hanoi Health Department, points out that only 50% of those with diabetes have been diagnosed and treated, with just 30% receiving adequate care. As a result, many patients already experience cardiovascular complications when they are diagnosed.
Current Legal Gaps
At present, Vietnam only has the Law on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, which does not address the rising concerns of non-communicable diseases, mental health, or nutrition. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Dac Phu, former director of the Department of Preventive Medicine at the MoH, stresses that addressing environmental and societal risk factors is crucial to preventing both infectious and non-communicable diseases. He emphasizes that preventive measures must be integrated into national health policies to reduce the overall disease burden.
Proposal for a Disease Prevention Law
In response to the growing health crisis, the MoH has proposed drafting a Disease Prevention Law. This law aims to address the gaps left by the current legislation, particularly by focusing on non-communicable diseases and public health management. The new law will also seek to improve the overall quality of life and life expectancy for the Vietnamese population.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phu advocates for the introduction of this law, citing the importance of prevention in ensuring longer and healthier lives for the population. “Prevention is better than cure,” he states, noting that such a law would complement existing health regulations and provide a balanced approach to both medical treatment and disease prevention.
The Ministry of Health is currently in the process of drafting the law, which aims to address the critical health challenges facing the country while ensuring better public health outcomes for the future.
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