Deep-rooted collaboration urged between Vietnam and WHO for global health protection by the Prime Minister
In a significant meeting on July 6, 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam met with Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), in Rio de Janeiro. The talks aimed to underscore Vietnam's strong commitment to cooperating with the WHO to protect public health and effectively address future disease outbreaks.
The discussions focused on the ongoing collaboration between the two parties, with a particular emphasis on Vietnam's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, disease prevention, and preparedness for future outbreaks.
The WHO Director-General commended Vietnam's proactive measures and policies in epidemic response, healthcare expansion, and efforts toward universal health coverage. He also expressed the WHO's readiness to assist Vietnam in improving its environmental and living conditions for sustainable public health development.
Prime Minister Chinh thanked the WHO for its effective support in Vietnam's efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and achieve swift recovery. He noted that Vietnam pays more attention to disease prevention and is investing efforts in developing the grassroots health system.
The PM proposed that the WHO send experts to support Vietnam in refining healthcare policies, enhancing the grassroots health system, and improving environmental conditions. He also called on the WHO to continue its leadership in global disease research, early warning, and pandemic preparedness.
Both sides agreed to reinforce Vietnam-WHO cooperation to protect public health and effectively address future disease outbreaks. They also emphasised the importance of international health cooperation in addressing global health issues.
The meeting highlighted Vietnam's strong cooperation with the WHO, which frequently refers to recommendations from WHO and other international institutions in its health policies. Vietnam's COVID-19 response strategy includes developing the grassroots health system and paying more attention to disease prevention.
The WHO Director-General welcomed the PM's proposals, affirming the WHO's willingness to assist and provide technical expertise as needed in Vietnam. This collaboration is expected to strengthen Vietnam's resilience in the face of future public health threats and contribute to global health security.
- Given the strong partnership, discussions during the meeting centers around integrating AI technologies in Vietnam's healthcare system, aiding in predicting potential disease outbreaks and improving mental health therapies and treatments.
- In the pursuit of universal health coverage, the WHO Director-General expressed the organization's eagerness to support Vietnam in incorporating health-and-wellness initiatives, ensuring holistic health improvement.
- As part of an ongoing effort to preserve global health, Prime Minister Chinh advocates for increased investment in research and development of new treatments, including the exploration of pharmaceutical compounds like CBD for disease management.
- In light of environmental degradation's impact on public health, both Vietnam and the WHO agree to cooperate on restoration projects for the protection of ecosystems and the promotion of sustainable living conditions.
- Recognizing the significance of international health cooperation during a time of ongoing war and disease outbreaks such as the pandemic, this collaboration is expected to fortify global health resilience and promote the understanding and application of science as our best defense.
