Emerging and epidemic diseases

Some of the world’s greatest health threats can be found in Vietnam. From influenza to HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB), these diseases disproportionately impact less developed countries and vulnerable populations.

PATH is working with local partners to lessen the burden of disease by improving care and treatment and building capacity in case of future outbreaks.

Attacking a global killer

TB is a leading cause of disease worldwide and is the leading cause of death among people infected with HIV. Vietnam has the 12th highest TB burden in the world, making TB control a top priority for the country.

PATH is helping the Ministry of Health and the National TB Program address this heavy burden. Our integrated approach combines the strength of the public and private sectors and includes a comprehensive advocacy, communications, and social mobilization (ACSM) strategy. We are supporting nationwide expansion of the public-private mix model, which focuses on referring people with TB-like symptoms from private and public non-TB facilities to public TB facilities. To support overall TB control efforts, we coordinate ACSM activities, such as national and provincial mass media campaigns, creating ACSM infrastructure from the central to local levels, and capacity-building. PATH is also piloting models of patient support and producing and distributing various communication materials, among other activities. Additionally, we are conducting research studies and monitoring and evaluation activities to provide the government with strategic information for better TB control.

Learn more about our work to control TB in Vietnam.

Supporting local solutions to prevent a pandemic

Up to five million people around the world are infected with the influenza virus each year. Most of the 250,000 to 500,000 influenza deaths occur in developing countries. Yet most vaccines that prevent influenza infection are produced in the developed world. PATH is building local capacity by supporting influenza vaccine production in Vietnam. We are providing technical assistance to the Institute for Vaccines and Biologicals for the manufacture and testing of vaccines against seasonal and pandemic influenza. Locally-produced vaccines could help Vietnam protect its population in the event of a future influenza pandemic.

Learn more about our efforts to support influenza vaccine production.