The signing ceremony was attended by Tran Viet Truong, Deputy Secretary of Can Tho Party Committee and Chairman of Can Tho People's Committee, and Nitin Kapoor, chairman and general director of AstraZeneca Vietnam, as well as other representatives from the Can Tho People's Committee, Can Tho Department of Health, and AstraZeneca Vietnam.

The agreement outlines a five-year plan for 2023-2028, during which time Can Tho and AstraZeneca Vietnam will focus on disease prevention, early detection, research, and building a lasting healthcare system.

Tran Viet Truong said that the signing of the MoU marked a significant milestone in establishing a collaborative partnership between the two parties. He commended AstraZeneca Vietnam for its valuable initiatives and efforts in benefiting the city, and expressed confidence that the city authorities and AstraZeneca Vietnam would diligently implement the agreed-upon provisions, aligning with the outlined objectives.

“To pursue the objective of providing healthcare coverage for all citizens, which is an integral part of the government's commitment to sustainable development, it is essential to bolster investment resources to improve capacity and operational effectiveness within Vietnam's healthcare system. This will ensure the provision of high-quality services that meet the needs of the population residing within the city and the Mekong Delta region,” he noted.

Nitin Kapoor added, "Following our earlier agreement with the Ministry of Health, I am thrilled to see our partnership with Can Tho flourish today. We are wholeheartedly dedicated to supporting the city's efforts to look after its residents' health. Together, we will work to strengthen the skills of healthcare staff, aiding the growth and global engagement of Can Tho's healthcare sector and the broader Mekong Delta area."

This partnership focuses on educating the public about diseases and boosting healthcare quality in various areas, including cancer, respiratory illnesses, cardio-renal-metabolic issues, immunology, and rare diseases.

Notable joint efforts will include the Healthy Lung programme (2024-2026) to better diagnose and treat respiratory conditions and lung cancer, the CAREME – Love Yourself drive to support cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health, the MUPS Academy scheme to improve gastrointestinal disease management, and a joint initiative with Can Tho Oncology Hospital for cancer care.

These programmes, along with efforts to increase healthcare access and sustainable practices, aim to benefit not only Can Tho city but the broader Mekong Delta region. The collaboration underscores AstraZeneca's commitment to public-private partnerships to enhance Vietnam's healthcare system.

On this special occasion, AstraZeneca and Can Tho City Oncology Hospital have formalised their partnership through a memorandum of cooperation, reinforcing their joint medical ventures in the city. The purpose of this agreement is to fast-track the hospital's research capabilities and global reach, thereby improving the standard of care for patients in the Cuu Long river delta.

The collaboration will unfold through a series of initiatives aimed at integrating Can Tho City Oncology Hospital into support programmes and exchanging professional knowledge to advance the expertise of its medical team, enhancing patient services to broaden access to cutting-edge treatments and pursuing long-term joint development efforts, particularly in conducting cancer research.

Dr. Vo Van Kha, director of Can Tho Oncology Hospital said, "With the objective of becoming a leading cancer hospital in the Mekong Delta region, we highly appreciate the collaboration of AstraZeneca and hope that in the future, both parties will engage in ever more extensive activities."

"Together, I believe that this collaboration will yield practical and long-lasting benefits for patients while contributing to the overall development of cancer care in Vietnam."

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company renowned for its expertise in researching, developing, and delivering innovative treatments in oncology, rare diseases, and other biopharmaceutical areas.

Throughout its history, it has shown a strong commitment to the Vietnamese healthcare sector, emphasising cancer diagnosis and improving the quality of cancer treatments. This commitment has played a significant role in mitigating the impact of cancer in Vietnam, as well as across Asia and around the world.

AstraZeneca Vietnam's unwavering efforts to advance Vietnam's healthcare have been recognised with Certificates of Merit from the Minister of Health on three occasions, for outstanding work in cancer treatment in 2019, for significant contributions to the prevention and control of the pandemic in 2020, and for achievements in communication campaigns, breast cancer screening, and support for cancer patients in 2022.

Additionally, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh awarded AstraZeneca Vietnam with a Certificate of Merit for its exceptional contribution to Vietnam's vaccine diplomacy in 2022.