Vietnam Pediatric Association and Roche Pledge to Enhance Access to Care for Children with Type 1 Diabetes

The Vietnam Pediatric Association (VPA) and Roche Diabetes Care Vietnam, represented by Roche Vietnam Company Limited (Roche), today signed a cooperation agreement to enhance access to care for underprivileged children living with Type 1 diabetes in Vietnam.

This partnership is part of a broader global collaboration between Novo Nordisk and Roche under the Changing Diabetes® in Children (CDiC) programme. Changing Diabetes® in Children is a collaborative led by Novo Nordisk and Roche Diabetes Care, which also involves other global and local partners. This public-private partnership programme aims to broaden access and create sustainable care structures in under-resourced countries. Moreover, it provides life-saving insulin and diabetes management supplies to children and young people living with T1D up to 25 years of age.

Under the scope of this newly signed collaboration, the CDiC programme aims to enhance the quality of care for children with T1D in Vietnam by providing education and training for doctors and nurses, and boosting awareness about diabetes and its management among children with T1D and their families. The programme will also drive sustainable ways to integrate programme components into the national healthcare system. As part of the programme, VPA and Roche will provide free diabetes monitoring and management kits, including blood glucose meters, test strips, and lancets. The partnership will extend care to 2,600 children and adolescents with diabetes through the Vietnam National Children’s Hospital (VNCH) and other hospitals nationwide, covering urban and rural areas.

Vietnam is home to almost four million¹ adults with diabetes, where 51.5%¹ of the diabetes population remain undiagnosed. Furthermore, an estimated 39,500² children and adolescents under the age of 20 are living with T1D in Asia’s emerging markets. This data highlights the urgent need for awareness, early diagnosis, access to medication and management solutions to treat this chronic condition through building accessible and sustainable healthcare structures.

Assoc. Prof. PhD. Tran Minh Dien, President of the Vietnam Pediatric Association and Director of National Children's Hospital, said “Through this partnership, the VPA aims to relieve the financial and emotional burden of living with diabetes for the families of children with Type 1 diabetes. I hope many more children will experience the life-changing impact of having the necessary diabetes management tools to manage their condition well.” 

Mr. Mihai Irimescu, Cluster Head of Asia Emerging Markets, Roche Diabetes Care, said “Pediatric health is an important investment in a nation’s future. All of us at Roche are committed to enabling access to essential diabetes care for children with type 1 diabetes in the community, and helping them grow up to lead normal and healthier lives. We are pleased to partner with the VPA to support a continuum of care for children with T1D who need a helping hand under the Changing Diabetes® in Children programme.”

Mr. Hassan Fahmi, General Manager, Novo Nordisk Vietnam, said, “I am proud to represent Novo Nordisk today to witness the collaboration between Roche and the Vietnam Pediatric Association within the framework of CDiC. The collaboration lays down a sustainable foundation to support medical supplies; and empower children and families to continue driving change for kids with diabetes in Vietnam”.

H.N (Vietnam Business Forum)