AstraZeneca and Plan International Continue Young Health Programme with Event Focused on Preventing Non-Communicable Diseases Among Youth

AstraZeneca Vietnam, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) and Plan International Vietnam, hosted the "Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Awareness Day", a key initiative under Phase 2 of the Young Health Programme (YHP).

This event is part of AstraZeneca’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) prevention among Vietnamese youth and to promote healthy behaviors in schools and communities. Phase 2 of the YHP, which launched in September 2023, aims to expand its reach by engaging more youth from underserved areas, enhancing education on NCD risk factors, and empowering young advocates to take active roles in managing their own health.

The "Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Awareness Day" is a key initiative under Phase 2 of the Young Health Programme (YHP) organized by AstraZeneca Vietnam, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) and Plan International Vietnam

Today event took place at Lien Ha High School in Dong Anh District, with participation from Nguyen Nho Huy, Deputy Director of MOET’s Department of Physical Education, Atul Tandon, General Director of AstraZeneca Vietnam, and representatives from Plan International Vietnam along with the school’s board, teachers, students, and parents. The event aimed to raise awareness about NCD prevention, promote healthy lifestyle choices, and strengthen collaboration between schools, students, and their families.

During the event, participants engaged in various interactive activities designed to educate students about the importance of preventive health measures, including physical activity and a balanced diet. As part of the initiative, through Plan International Vietnam, AstraZeneca also sponsored the construction of a basketball court, encouraging students to adopt active lifestyles as a key part of preventing NCDs.

 “Initiatives like the Young Health Programme, which aligns with our national strategy to ensure the health and well-being of Vietnamese youth,” shared Mr. Nguyen Nho Huy, Deputy Director of MOET’s Department of Physical Education

The first phase of the Young Health Programme, implemented from January 2019 to June 2022 in Hanoi, was designed to improve the physical and mental health of youth by increasing awareness of risk behaviors that contribute to NCDs. The programme specifically targeted underserved areas and empowered young people to make healthier decisions about their well-being.

Key outcomes from the last phase include:

• 49,365 youth directly educated about NCDs through activities in schools, universities, and industrial zones.
• More than 3 million people indirectly reached with knowledge on NCD prevention.
• 538 peer educators trained to lead health advocacy efforts in their communities.
• Numerous training sessions for school health staff, teachers, and young people, aimed at enhancing their ability to address NCD risks.

These achievements reflect the programme’s significant role in building awareness and promoting youth-led advocacy in underserved communities.

“The Young Health Programme represents our deep commitment to society via supporting young people in adopting healthier behaviors that will last a lifetime,” said Mr. Atul Tandon, General Director of AstraZeneca Vietnam

The 2nd phase of the Young Health Programme (2023-2025) aims to build on the success of the first phase by expanding its reach and deepening its impact. The goals include:

• Reaching more youth, particularly in underserved areas, to empower them with knowledge about NCD prevention and healthy decision-making.
• Collaborating with MOET to advocate for health policy changes that integrate youth health education into school curriculums.
• Strengthening youth-led advocacy for NCD prevention, including contributions to Vietnam's National Strategy on NCD Prevention (2025-2035).

“At AstraZeneca, we are not only focused on developing innovative life-saving medicines but also on building healthier futures. The Young Health Programme represents our deep commitment to society via supporting young people in adopting healthier behaviors that will last a lifetime. The successes we’ve seen so far in Vietnam, with thousands of youth reached and empowered, inspire us to continue expanding this impact. By investing in the health of today’s youth, we are investing in the future sustainable development and well-being of the entire nation,” said Mr. Atul Tandon, General Director of AstraZeneca Vietnam. “This next phase will allow us to reach even more young people, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the basketball court sponsored by AstraZeneca through Plan International Vietnam, as part of the initiative

“We recognize the immense value of initiatives like the Young Health Programme, which aligns with our national strategy to ensure the health and well-being of Vietnamese youth. As non-communicable diseases pose a growing challenge, it is critical that we equip our students with the knowledge and tools to prevent these diseases from a young age,” said Mr. Nguyen Nho Huy, Deputy Director of MOET’s Department of Physical Education. “This programme’s integration into our schools fosters an environment that not only promotes physical health but also empowers students to be advocates for healthier communities. We look forward to continued collaboration with AstraZeneca and Plan International to ensure this programme reaches its full potential.”

Through its ongoing commitment to youth health, AstraZeneca aims to empower the next generation with the knowledge and resources needed to lead healthier lives and prevent NCDs. The Young Health Programme will continue to play a critical role in Vietnam's efforts to improve public health outcomes for young people.

H.N (Vietnam Business Forum)