HPV is a common papillomavirus in humans that can cause various types of cancer and diseases. It can infect the skin, genital area, and oropharyngeal region. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most sexually active individuals are likely to be infected with this virus at some point in their lives and usually exhibit no symptoms [1]. Persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV can lead to cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, penile cancer, and anal cancer [2]. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts.

According to Prof. Dr. Vu Sinh Nam, Secretary General and Chief of the Office of the Vietnam Public Health Association, the exhibition was an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage action, and spread the message about the importance of prevention, thereby sustainably protecting public health. Photo by An Huy

Applying technology to raise disease prevention awareness in the community

At this event, attendees can experience a unique combination of technology, art, and healthcare knowledge. With the message "Love Your Future Self," the exhibition provides participants with comprehensive healthcare information (body, mind, and intellect) and simulated images of how they will look in the next 10 to 20 years. This encourages people to take a more proactive approach to protecting their health and that of their families, especially by focusing on preventing dangerous diseases, including cancers. At the exhibition, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper expressed his pleasure at witnessing the private sector raising awareness and addressing an issue that is both preventable and treatable, adding that continued efforts from the public and private sectors can achieve greater success in combating diseases and cancers associated with HPV in Vietnam.

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper expressed his appreciation for the ongoing efforts from both the public and private sectors in combating HPV-related diseases in Vietnam. Photo by: An Huy

According to statistics from 2022[2],[3], it is estimated that around 794,000 new cases of HPV-related cancers were diagnosed globally in both genders. Specifically in Vietnam [2],[3], it is estimated that over 6,200 people were newly diagnosed with HPV-related cancers in 2022, among which more than 2,500 cases of cervical cancer deaths were recorded. Dr. Eric Dziuban, U.S. CDC Director, emphasised the life-saving power of vaccines and applauded efforts to improve awareness and availability of HPV vaccination in Vietnam, noting that “a world where young women in Vietnam are protected from cervical cancer is a better world for all of us.”

Love your future self, protect yourself from the present

With the goal of promoting a proactive healthy lifestyle, the exhibition area is designed with the concept of time travel, allowing attendees to experience an interesting journey of future exploration with themed zones focused on health and life. At the opening ceremony, Ms. Katharina Geppert, Managing Director of MSD Vietnam, shared: “We have great belief and dedication in raising community awareness. When people have access to accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand health information, they can take a more proactive role in protecting themselves and their families. Through our relentless efforts, we aspire to save and improve millions of lives in Vietnam.”

Ms. Katharina Geppert, Managing Director of MSD Vietnam, delivered the opening speech at the "Love Your Future Self" exhibition. Photo by An Huy

AI technology is thoroughly applied at the exhibition to inspire and enhance interaction for visitors. Not only can attendees see simulated images of themselves in the future, but they also have the opportunity to interact with Minah, a virtual health influencer. Backed by AI, Minah can provide basic information in response to health, lifestyle, and HPV prevention inquiries for various groups: parents, teenagers, and adults of all genders. For appropriate HPV prevention methods, individuals should seek advice from specialised doctors at licensed medical institutions.

The exhibition not only provides information on the harms and prevention of HPV but also emphasises the role of comprehensive health through a lighting show with the messages: Healthy Body - Rightful Mind - Peaceful Spirit.

Exhibition attendees had the opportunity to embark on an exciting journey of future exploration, with themed areas focused on health and life, vividly simulated through artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technology. Photo by An Huy

The programme also features the art collection “Khang Thuong”—paintings inspired by stories of overcoming fear and trauma from special guests such as Dr. Hien Minh, Dr. Thuy Ai, singer Huong Tram, and the couple Ninh Anh Bui and Nguyen Tung Duong. This collection is part of the podcast programme “Khang Thuong,” co-produced by the Vietnam Association of Preventive Medicine, MSD Vietnam, and Vietcetera, with the purpose of promoting a healthy lifestyle.

The exhibition takes place on the occasion of Vietnam Women’s Day, 20 October, making it a meaningful opportunity to appreciate and honour the significant role of women in caring for the wellbeing of families and the community.

MSD is one of the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical companies in the world. For more than 130 years, MSD has been bringing hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. The company is unified around its purpose: Using the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.

References:

[1] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papilloma-virus-and-cancer/

[2] de Martel et al, Lancet Global Health 2019, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31862245/s

[3] GLOBOCAN 2022 report, Global Cancer Observatory