Domestic and international experts attend the HCM City Respiratory Society Annual Congress 2026 in HCM City on March 21, discussing advances in respiratory disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. — Photos Courtesy of the organisers

HCM CITY — Nearly 800 domestic and international experts, doctors and researchers gathered in HCM City for the HCM City Respiratory Society Annual Congress 2026 to discuss advances in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases.

Held on March 21 under the theme “Pioneering science and technology in modern pulmonology,” the event served as a scientific forum for specialists in respiratory medicine, internal medicine and paediatrics to share clinical experience and update the latest developments in respiratory healthcare.

Speaking at the event, Associate Professor Trần Văn Ngọc, president of the HCM City Respiratory Society, said the congress provided an important opportunity for experts and healthcare professionals to update scientific advances and exchange practical experience in managing respiratory diseases.

“We highly appreciate the partnership and support to help advance scientific activities and professional development, ultimately strengthening respiratory healthcare capacity for the community,” he said.

This year’s congress focused on key topics including community-acquired pneumonia, paediatric respiratory diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, interstitial lung disease, and advances in diagnostic imaging, artificial intelligence and intensive care management.

Scientific sessions also highlighted major respiratory pathogens such as pneumococcus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and adenovirus, as well as atypical bacteria and fungal infections including Aspergillus and Candida auris.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trần Văn Ngọc, president of the HCM City Respiratory Society, speaks at the HCM City Respiratory Society Annual Congress 2026 on March 21.

Experts noted that respiratory diseases continue to pose a major public health challenge, particularly for young children, older adults and people with underlying medical conditions.

The Ministry of Health’s National Plan for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control 2026 has identified pneumococcal disease and RSV as respiratory conditions likely to increase in the early months of the year, especially among high-risk groups.

The World Health Organisation estimates that pneumococcus causes about 1.6 million deaths globally each year, including up to one million children under five, and remains a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia in Việt Nam.

Common chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, COPD, diabetes and weakened immune systems significantly increase the risk of severe respiratory infections, while Việt Nam’s rapidly ageing population continues to put additional pressure on the healthcare system.

Professor Pinyo Rattanaumpawan from Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University in Thailand, speaks at a conference on the burden of pneumococcal disease in older adults and the importance of early identification of high-risk groups in the region.

Professor Pinyo Rattanaumpawan from Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University in Thailand said real-world evidence from Thailand shows that pneumococcal disease in older adults is far more common and often underrecognised, particularly among those with chronic conditions.

This challenge is not unique to Thailand but reflects a broader trend across many Asian countries, including Việt Nam, where rapid population ageing and a rising burden of comorbidities are shaping the respiratory health landscape, she said.

“Sharing regional insights between countries like Thailand and Việt Nam is essential to improving early identification of high-risk groups and strengthening protection strategies for older adults in our region.”

Discussions at the congress also highlighted the growing impact of RSV, which is considered a major cause of respiratory illness in infants and older adults.

International data show RSV is associated with millions of outpatient visits and hundreds of thousands of hospitalisations each year, with the highest burden seen in infants and people over 75.

Pfizer Vietnam also participated in the congress as a scientific supporter, contributing to professional exchange and clinical knowledge sharing for healthcare workers.

The congress reaffirmed the role of scientific forums in promoting medical innovation, strengthening collaboration among experts and improving respiratory health management in Việt Nam. — VNS