U.S. Announces Support for Bach Mai Hospital to Improve Stroke Care in Viet Nam

10:46:43 AM | 1/17/2024

The U.S. Mission to Viet Nam, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), on January 16 announced training and technical support for Bach Mai Hospital Stroke Center to improve stroke care in Viet Nam and the Mekong sub-region.


Bach Mai Hospital Director Dao Xuan Co and Federation Handicap International Country Manager Mazedul Haque sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU), Ha Noi, January 16, 2024

The announcement affirms U.S. support for strengthening health cooperation and assisting Viet Nam's critical medical facilities under the U.S.-Viet Nam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

USAID's Mission Director in Viet Nam Aler Grubbs observed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Bach Mai Hospital and USAID implementing partner Federation Handicap International on enhancing Bach Mai Hospital's leadership as a national and Mekong sub-regional Center of Excellence for stroke care, with support from the United States, through USAID.

The MOU, signed by Bach Mai Hospital Director Dao Xuan Co and Federation Handicap International Country Manager Mazedul Haque, will strengthen the care for persons with stroke at the Bach Mai Stroke Center.

Viet Nam is among the countries with the highest incidence rate of stroke, with about 200,000 stroke persons yearly. Stroke is the second most common cause of death in the country. Among survivors, this condition leaves a high rate of disability behind.

USAID Mission Director Grubbs expressed her delight to continue the partnership with Bach Mai Hospital through its Stroke and Rehabilitation Centers.

"We look forward to helping Viet Nam expand the application of international best practices in saving lives and reducing disabilities among stroke victims", she added.

Under this MOU, in the next two years, the USAID implementing partner will work with Bach Mai Hospital to build a specialized workforce through supporting postgraduate training specializing in stroke and cerebrovascular disease for doctors.

The U.S. will help strengthen the delivery of multidisciplinary services for patients with specific attention to ensuring a continuum of care throughout the care pathway; foster coordination, sharing of good practices and technical support through national and international networks; and build research capacities of the Stroke Center and the Rehabilitation Center of Bach Mai Hospital.

Source: VGP