Can Tho Takes a Proactive Approach to National Campaign
In response to the May Measurement Month (MMM 2025) campaign by the Vietnam Hypertension Association (THA) in partnership with Servier Vietnam’s First Day initiative, the Can Tho City Department of Health held a launch ceremony on April 17th.
This year’s highlight is the intensive training program for grassroots healthcare workers – those crucial in detecting, counseling, and managing hypertension patients in the community.
PGS.TS.BS Hoàng Quốc Cường, Director of Can Tho City Department of Health, delivers the opening speech for MMM 2025. (Image: Organizing Committee).
According to the STEPS report, a global survey designed by the World Health Organization (WHO) on non-communicable disease risk factors, an estimated 218,000 people in Can Tho have hypertension, representing approximately 18.2% of the population.
However, a significant portion of these cases remain undiagnosed, partly due to a lack of awareness and limited access to screening services at grassroots healthcare facilities.
Meanwhile, according to Ministry of Health Decision 1300/QĐ-BYT, the goal is for 80% of people over 40 to have their blood pressure and blood sugar checked at least once a year. This is a crucial step to early detection, timely intervention, and minimizing the complications of hypertension.
Training on Standardized Blood Pressure Measurement & Hypertension Counseling – Upskilling Frontline Staff and Addressing Resource Challenges at the Grassroots Level
The training program will reach 80 healthcare and nursing professionals from hospitals and district/county medical centers. The training curriculum focuses on standardized blood pressure measurement using Vietnam Hypertension Association (VNHA)/Vietnam Society of Hypertension (VSH) 2024’s 5D strategy, counseling skills, and practical clinical training.
The faculty includes leading experts such as Dr. Trần Quốc Luận, Director of Can Tho City General Hospital, and Dr. Lê Tân Tố Anh, Deputy Director of Can Tho Heart Hospital.
Training program with healthcare professionals from hospitals and district/county medical centers at the launch ceremony. (Image: Organizing Committee).
At the launch, PGS.TS.BS Hoàng Quốc Cường, Director of Can Tho City Department of Health, emphasized the critical role of healthcare professionals in controlling hypertension: “Training grassroots healthcare staff is a vital step to raise public awareness and improve the effectiveness of hypertension care. This year, we aim to expand screening activities for people over 40 and implement a comprehensive approach combining expertise and communication at the grassroots level.
After assessing the current hypertension situation, the city’s health sector will work with the Vietnam Hypertension Association to develop targeted intervention plans based on local conditions and characteristics.”
Correct blood pressure measurement is one of the practical counseling topics in the program.
Despite positive progress in recent years, blood pressure screening in Can Tho City faces challenges regarding funding.
In 2024, the city only conducted 1,498 screenings in districts such as Thot Not, Vinh Thạnh, Co Do, Ô Mon, and Phong Dien. Meanwhile, the population aged 40-59 represents 32.6%, and those over 60 comprise 16.7% of the population – a high-risk group requiring regular health monitoring.
Raising Hypertension Awareness in the Community
Throughout May, Can Tho City will implement a series of integrated activities including free blood pressure checks, health consultations, and hypertension patient support group meetings at 11 local hospitals and medical centers: Can Tho Heart Hospital, Can Tho General Hospital, Co Do People’s Army Hospital, Ô Mon General Hospital, Thot Not General Hospital, Vinh Thạnh District Hospital, Co Do District Medical Center, Thoi Lai District Medical Center, Binh Thuy District Medical Center, Cai Rang District Medical Center, and Phong Dien District Medical Center.
People over 40, particularly high-risk groups, are encouraged to have regular checkups to detect and manage the condition early.
The message “Blood pressure above 130/80 – Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor” will be prominently featured throughout the campaign. This is not just a reminder but a commitment from Can Tho City’s health sector to proactively protect the well-being of its citizens.
With a focus on grassroots healthcare, the city is progressively building an effective preventive healthcare system, ensuring that all residents have access to timely and relevant healthcare services.
To further spread awareness about hypertension, the Can Tho City Department of Health organized a rally and parade to support the May Blood Pressure Measurement Month on April 29th at 7:00 AM at the Can Tho City Labor Cultural House, Cai Khe Ward, Ninh Kieu District.
Participants included city leaders, representatives from relevant departments, organizations, and institutions under the Department of Health, universities in Can Tho, and the Vietnam Hypertension Association.
