Bayer Vietnam is working with Hanoi Stroke Association and the University of Oxford to improve stroke care and research. — Photo courtesy of Bayer Vietnam

HÀ NỘI — Bayer, the Hanoi Stroke Association (HNSA), and the University of Oxford recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the quality of stroke management and scientific research in Việt Nam.

The MoU singing ceremony took place at the Stroke Centre, Bạch Mai Hospital, Hà Nội.

Việt Nam is one of the countries with the highest incidence rate of stroke, with about 200,000 stroke patients every year.

Strokes are now among the top causes of death in Việt Nam, with more fatal cases than cardiovascular diseases. Among survivors, this condition causes disability and creates a great burden on family members and communities.

However, Việt Nam faces a critical lack of data and information to enhance stroke care and research.

At the MoU signing ceremony, Associate Prof. Dr. Mai Duy Tôn, director of the Stroke Cent at Bạch Mai Hospital and chairman of the Hanoi Stroke Association, highlighted the importance of updating knowledge for medical staff.

“Many Vietnamese doctors are not fully aware of the role of scientific research in supporting treatment practice. While most attention is paid to patient care, it is vital for healthcare professionals to update scientific knowledge to improve diagnostic capacity and treatment outcomes."

Under the MoU, the three parties will develop a comprehensive programme titled "Improving the Quality of Scientific Research and Stroke Management, period 2024-2025,” comprising various key areas of co-operation, including scientific research, educational programmes, data development and publication.

By narrowing data gaps, this collective effort supports improved clinical decision-making and patient care optimisation.

Ingo Brandenburg, Managing Director of Bayer Vietnam, said: “Bayer will actively collaborate with medical experts in the development of training programmes for healthcare professionals and the community.”

“Leveraging our scientific expertise, we will provide input to enhance the quality of training and education programmes, facilitate knowledge updates, further contributing to the overall objectives of the partnership, in consultation with the Hanoi Stroke Association, University of Oxford, and respective experts involved.”

Trần Minh Công, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oxford, said: “Today's signing marks the beginning of a new chapter in our collaborative efforts to enhance the capacity of scientific research and stroke management.”

“This collaboration with the Hanoi Stroke Association and Bayer Vietnam underscores our shared vision of improving healthcare outcomes through innovative research, comprehensive clinical training, and the development of cutting-edge medical guidelines.”

Furthermore, the partnership seeks to establish and nurture professional collaboration with international organisations to elevate the quality of stroke research in Việt Nam.

By combining local expertise and data with technical guidance from experts at leading medical institutions overseas, multi-national projects are expected to generate more robust insights applicable worldwide, strengthening the global contribution of Vietnamese stroke specialists while speeding up adoption of evidence-based best practices in the country.  VNS