The Vietnamese Ministry of Health has recently asked local authorities to reinforce prevention and control measures against non-communicable diseases and mental health disorders as deaths from non-communicable diseases are estimated to make up to 77% of the total deaths from all causes, local media reported.
The order has been made as the rate of non-communicable diseases screening and early detection remains low and the management and treatment of these illnesses at grassroots healthcare facilities encounters many challenges.
The ministry has instructed local health authorities to proactively develop annual plans for preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases in their respective areas.
The ministry noted that the local People's Committees and relevant authorities must prioritize budget allocation to activities targeting risk factors, early detection screening, and other related activities.
Statistics from the National Hospital of Endocrinology indicate that approximately 6%-7% of the population suffer from diabetes, while according to the Vietnam National Heart Institute, hypertension, known as the "silent killer," affects 25% of individuals over 25 years old in Vietnam. It is concerning that only one-third of patients with these diseases are detected and treated in the country.
(Suc Khoe Doi Song [1])