WHO continues to accompany Vietnam in taking care of people's health

(Chinhphu.vn) - On the afternoon of August 25, at the Government headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long received Mr. Saia Ma'u Piukala, Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region, who is visiting Vietnam.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long received Mr. Saia Ma'u Piukala, Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region - Photo: VGP/Duc Tuan

The Deputy Prime Minister welcomed Mr. Saia Ma'u Piukala to visit Vietnam on the special occasion of the 80th anniversary of National Day. The presence of Mr. Saia Ma'u Piukala not only demonstrates the close relationship between WHO and Vietnam, but also demonstrates the increasingly deep cooperation between the two sides.

Expressing his joy at visiting Vietnam on this special occasion, the WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific said that he felt the joyful atmosphere and national pride of the Vietnamese people when he witnessed the images of people going to watch the parade. This is the second time he has visited Vietnam and each time he has learned more.

“Congratulations to Vietnam on the impressive achievements it has made recently,” said the WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. He highly appreciated the vision of the Vietnamese leaders in developing a project with a roadmap to gradually reduce the burden of medical costs for the people, moving towards free hospitalisation for all in the period from 2030-2035.

The WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific also welcomed Vietnam's adoption of the Law on Special Consumption Tax (amended) in June, which increased taxes on alcohol, beer, tobacco, and soft drinks with high sugar content, as well as banned e-cigarettes. According to him, this decision is important for protecting the health of adolescents. He also said that the WHO's award of the "World No Tobacco Day" Award to the Vietnamese Minister of Health this morning also demonstrated Vietnam's commitment in this field.

Mr. Saia Ma'u Piukala thanked the Vietnamese Government for promoting cooperation with WHO and affirmed that WHO is ready to provide technology to improve the health of Vietnamese people.

He expressed his wish to continue strengthening cooperation with Vietnam, and that WHO will continue to support Vietnam in the coming time.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long highly appreciated the recognition of the WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific on the efforts and achievements of the Vietnamese Government in the health sector.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long highly appreciated the recognition of the WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific on the efforts and achievements of the Vietnamese Government in the health sector - Photo: VGP/Duc Tuan

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the vision of free hospitalisation and free periodic health check-ups for people is a strong commitment, demonstrating the determination of the Party and Government of Vietnam in improving the quality of life for the people. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the support and companionship of WHO in this journey.

The Deputy Prime Minister also thanked WHO for its support to Vietnam, including its comments and consultations in the health policy-making process and its support for Vietnam in many specific programs and projects.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that the viewpoint of the Vietnamese Party and State on people's health care is very clear and consistent. People's health care is the common task of the entire political system. Disease prevention will be given more attention, not waiting for illness to be treated but must improve people's health and reduce the number of people going to hospital.

During the process of reforming the apparatus, although communes were merged, the system of commune health stations remained the same. In the near future, the Politburo will pass a resolution on a breakthrough in public health care.

“We hope you will continue to accompany us,” the Deputy Prime Minister said, expressing that he will continue to receive close cooperation from WHO in areas including policy advice, human resource training support, health policy communication, and disease prevention and control.

The Deputy Prime Minister once again reaffirmed Vietnam's active and responsible participation in the noble work of the World Health Organization to improve health for all.

Duc Tuan

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/pho-thu-tuong-le-thanh-long-tiep-giam-doc-who-khu-vuc-tay-thai-binh-duong-102250825191748809.htm