Non-Communicable Disease Management
After a decade of living and working in Vietnam, Dr. Joshua Solomon, MD, experienced firsthand the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Vietnam. Utilizing his experience in treating thousands of patients, Dr. Solomon worked with VNHIP volunteers to develop an evidence-based protocol aligned with international guidelines to manage cardiovascular disease risk factors, hypertension, and diabetes. In partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), VNHIP was able to pilot this model across provinces in northern and central Vietnam. This model established an approach to NCD care where resources are limited.
In the coming years, VNHIP continues its partnerships with the WHO and the Ministry of Health to expand this project in poor rural communities in Nam Giang district of Quang Nam province. This project will reduce exposure to modifiable risk factors through promotion of healthy lifestyle choices, and will strengthen health systems to address the prevention and control of NCDs.
Our Goal
To decrease the morbidity, disability, and mortality of people suffering from NCDs.
Our Approach
VNHIP focuses on four strategic areas:
- Provide health behavior change communication (BCC) on the modifiable risk factors of NCDs to promote community members to make healthy lifestyle choices to prevent and control NCDs.
- Provide training and counselling on self-management of NCDs for the patients and their families (caregivers).
- Strengthen health systems to address the prevention and control of NCDs, and improve the quality of health care and medication for people with NCDs
- Establish a research protocol based on WHO’s STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) for monitoring and evaluating progress in NCD management to promote evidence-based planning and advocacy for the prevention and control of NCDs at all levels.