10 Things We didn't Know About Health in Vietnam
10 Things We didn't Know About Health in Vietnam
GPH Extra Credit Project
GPH Extra Credit Project

Agent Orange
During the Vietnam War, Vietnamese people were exposed to a harmful agent which has led to lasting effects. Several health effects including birth defects in children have been correlated with the exposure of this chemical agent. It is now considered a carcinogen and remains a risk factor even today because of presence in soil, water, and food. Because of this harmful agent, many women undergo several ultrasounds during their pregnancy in order to detect for any defects.
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/
HIV/AIDS Prevalence Doubled in the 2000s
During the 2000s, the rates of HIV/AIDs in Vietnam doubled from 1996 to 2004. An average of 40-50 new incidents are reported everyday and Vietnam hopes to contain it's of .35%. Because of HIV/AIDs rates, women in Vietnam had access to health counseling for women who tested positive for HIV.
http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/vietnam
People doubt in western medicine
One of the major problems in Vietnam is that people often doubt the western medicine and look for more traditional routes like medicinal plants. However, when people refuse to go to doctors for a check-up, they are allowing non-communicable diseases to get worse.
VIETNAM SLIDES
Less arranged marriages
Culturally, there are less arranged marriages in Vietnam now. This is a positive because it allows women and to have a choice and make independent decisions about their life. Women empowerment is closely related to maternal and child heath.
http://factsanddetails.com/southeast-asia/Vietnam/sub5_9c/entry-3387.html
VIETNAM SLIDES
Double burden of disease
Because Vietnam is a middle-income country, it is facing double burden of diseases. It still has around 19% of communicable diseases, however, it now has to face non-communicable diseases. There is a rise of non-communicable diseases due to ageing population.
http://www.who.int/countries/vnm/en/
Limited diet
Vietnamese diet consists mostly of rice, vegetables, and fish. Their diet lacks dairy and protein products which leads to deficiencies like iodine or iron. Many adults in Vietnam are underweight due to their diet and fasting practices (religious).
http://apps.who.int/nutrition/landscape/report.aspx?iso=vnm
Overcrowded hospitals
Vietnam has a problem with overcrowded hospitals which decreases the standard of care for people. On a national level, the occupancy level for hospitals is 119.1% with only 22,270 beds available. With overcrowding, there is also a lack of other resources like doctors and medicine.
http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/024/38370/overcrowding-still-plagues-
major-vietnam-hospitals.html
Vietnam Slides
Trying to achieve universal healthcare system
The good news is that Vietnam is currently aiming towards a universal healthcare system! And there 71% of population has insurance already. By providing a universal health care system, there will be a decline in maternal and infant mortality ratios. There will also be a decline major non-communicable diseases like strokes and cancers.
Vietnam Slide