On August 22, 2024, in conjunction with the start of the new academic year, the School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health hosted a special talk on “The Anthem and Sacrifices of Public Health” with speaker Dr. Eric Joseph Dziuban, Country Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) in Vietnam.
Attending the talk, on behalf of Hanoi Medical University, were:
- Assoc. Prof. PhD. Kim Bao Giang, Vice Rector of Hanoi Medical University
On behalf of the School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, were:
- Assoc. Prof. PhD. Le Minh Giang, Dean of the School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
- Assoc. Prof. PhD. Le Thi Thanh Xuan, Vice Dean of the School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
- Along with representatives from various Departments, students, and trainees of the School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.
In her opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. PhD. Kim Bao Giang, Vice Rector of Hanoi Medical University, stated that many people and healthcare workers in Vietnam do not fully understand the role of public health and preventive medicine, as they primarily interact with the healthcare system through clinical services. Therefore, expert sharing of knowledge in this field is invaluable, helping the community recognize its value in life.
Assoc. Prof. PhD. Kim Bao Giang, Vice Rector of Hanoi Medical University
The speaker, Dr. Eric Joseph Dziuban, Country Director of US CDC in Vietnam, emphasized the pivotal role of public health and preventive medicine in forecasting and addressing potential community health issues. The recent COVID-19 pandemic serves as a prime example. Dr. Eric highlighted that timely and effective preventive measures helped minimize losses and protect the health of millions worldwide. Lessons from past epidemics serve as a warning about the urgent need for sustainable investment in public health and preventive medicine to cope with future community health challenges.
Dr. Eric also affirmed the superior effectiveness, both economically and medically, that preventive health programs bring to the community. He stated, “Every dollar spent on childhood vaccinations is estimated to save 11 dollars in medical treatment costs. Every dollar spent on air pollution control is estimated to save 30 dollars in economic benefits. These are clearly necessary financial investments.”
Dr. Eric Joseph Dziuban, Country Director of US CDC in Vietnam
According to Dr. Eric, the biggest challenge for public health today is the fragmented disease surveillance system, leading to incomplete data. To overcome this challenge and control epidemics, Dr. Eric suggested integrating existing single-disease prevention systems, such as HIV and tuberculosis. In other words, instead of designing surveillance for one disease, the health sector needs to design surveillance for multiple diseases simultaneously to more accurately predict potential outbreaks; or to build and process data on various diseases and issues to be able to respond in emergency situations.
Assoc. Prof. PhD. Le Minh Giang, Dean of the School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
Assoc. Prof. PhD. Le Minh Giang, Dean of the School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, acknowledged that despite the many difficulties and challenges faced by public health and preventive medicine, Assoc. Prof. Giang expressed confidence and encouraged current and future professionals in this field to continue to maintain their passion, determination to address problems at their root, and commitment to reducing health risks for the community. This is considered the mission of public health and preventive medicine in caring for the health of the people.
Attendees
Following the talk, the School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, chaired by Assoc. Prof. PhD. Le Minh Giang, held a working session with representatives from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Vietnam. The session discussed areas of mutual interest and explored future cooperation opportunities. The two consecutive events organized by the School of Preventive Medicine and Public Health were successfully concluded.
Some images from the working session:
Full text of the talk “The Anthem and Sacrifices of Public Health”