In Vietnam, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory conditions, cancer, and diabetes account for nearly 80% of total deaths, posing significant challenges to public health and healthcare systems.

Globally, NCDs claim the lives of 41 million people annually. In Vietnam, these diseases are responsible for over 70% of total deaths, including 41.5% of cases involving individuals under 70 years of age. They contribute to 73.7% of the national disease burden and mortality rates, with cardiovascular diseases leading at 20.5%, followed by cancer (13.3%), chronic respiratory diseases (4%), and diabetes (3.9%).

Cardiovascular Diseases

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, cardiovascular diseases remained the leading cause of death in Vietnam. According to the Ministry of Health, approximately 200,000 people die from cardiovascular conditions annually, accounting for 33% of all fatalities.

Hypertension affects about 25% of the adult population, meaning one in four adults suffers from the condition. Hypertension significantly raises the risk of death from stroke (by four times) and cardiovascular disease (by three times). Alarmingly, cardiovascular-related deaths are increasing in low-income countries.

Cancer

According to GLOBOCAN 2022, Vietnam reported 180,480 new cancer cases and over 120,000 deaths. The country ranks 20th in Asia for cancer incidence and 101st globally.

In men, the most common cancers are liver cancer (19.7%), lung cancer (17.7%), and stomach cancer (11%). Among women, breast cancer leads at 28.9%, followed by lung cancer (8.7%) and colorectal cancer (8.7%).

Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Vietnam has the highest prevalence of moderate to severe COPD in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Ministry of Health reports that COPD causes over 25,000 deaths annually in Vietnam. A joint survey by the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the General Statistics Office revealed that 3.1% of adults aged 18–69 have been diagnosed with COPD.

Diabetes

Diabetes affects approximately 7.1% of Vietnamese adults, equating to nearly 5 million people. This number is projected to rise significantly in the coming years, both in Vietnam and globally.

The disease is a leading cause of disability and premature death, contributing to blindness, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and foot ulcers requiring amputation. Over 55% of diabetes patients in Vietnam suffer complications, including cardiovascular issues (34%), eye and nerve damage (39.5%), and kidney problems (24%).

The rising prevalence of NCDs in Vietnam underscores the urgent need for effective prevention, early detection, and management strategies. These conditions not only impose significant healthcare costs but also affect the quality of life for millions of individuals and their families.

PV