Abbott's relentless drive for innovation and healthcare

(Chinhphu.vn) - Accompanying national health programs, from the Nutrition Strategy 2021-2030 to the Vietnam Health Program, Abbott affirms its commitment to improving community health through scientific and technological innovation. During its 30 years of presence, this global healthcare company has contributed to shaping a modern, comprehensive healthcare system for Vietnamese people.

Blood donors experience virtual reality technology deployed by Abbott to spread the message of blood donation for the community - Photo: VGP/PD

Three decades of perseverance with the mission for a Vietnam​​​ healthier

During three decades of accompanying Vietnam, Abbott has always been a pioneer in introducing advanced technologies, contributing to improving the quality of health care for people.

Last June, Abbott introduced to the community for the first time an integrated virtual reality experience in voluntary blood donation at a series of voluntary blood donation events in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Interactive virtual reality experiences such as planting trees in a digital garden or exploring the universe help reduce stress, create a sense of comfort for blood donors, and attract the community, especially young people, to participate in regular blood donation. This initiative is a testament to Abbott's commitment to promoting community health care with innovative solutions, while contributing to ensuring a safe blood supply for emergency and treatment.

In the field of cardiovascular, Abbott has brought to Vietnam many breakthrough technologies. Technologies such as XIENCE drug-eluting stents, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the Ensite X system in the treatment of arrhythmia are highly appreciated by experts for their accuracy and treatment effectiveness.

A breakthrough invention of Abbott is Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder, which helps doctors close the hole in the heart of newborn babies weighing only 700g without surgery. Abbott's HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has also been successfully implanted at 108 Military Central Hospital, opening up hope of life for patients with end-stage heart failure.

Abbott's groundbreaking Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder is a device that helps treat patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants and newborns.

Abbott has also brought to Vietnam the MitraClip solution to help treat mitral valve regurgitation without open surgery, shortening recovery time and improving the quality of life for patients. MitraClip was honored by the Prix Galien USA 2020 as the Most Advanced Medical Technology.

In the field of diagnosis and treatment, Abbott is constantly innovating to improve the efficiency of medical care. Through the comprehensive testing system Alinity, integrating from biochemistry, immunology, hematology to molecular, Abbott automates the testing process, increases accuracy and shortens the time of diagnosis. As a result, doctors can make treatment decisions more quickly, appropriately and effectively, contributing to improving treatment outcomes for patients.

The MitraClip device helps treat mitral valve regurgitation without surgery.

Shaping the future of healthcare

Not only focusing on medical technology, Abbott also develops solutions for chronic disease care and nutrition, contributing to improving community health.

In 2021, this global healthcare company brought to Vietnam the FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. FreeStyle Libre not only provides comprehensive glucose (blood sugar) readings for 14 consecutive days, but also predicts blood sugar changes based on information on results and blood sugar trends recorded in the last 8 hours. As a result, people with diabetes can adjust their lifestyle and doctors can make better treatment decisions, helping to reduce the risk of complications. FreeStyle Libre has changed the lives of about 6 million people in more than 60 countries, and was honored by the Prix Galien Golden Jubilee 2022 as "The most advanced medical technology in the past 50 years".

Faced with the challenge of malnutrition, Abbott has developed a comprehensive range of nutritional solutions, from scientific research to practical applications. In the context of Vietnam being one of the countries with the highest population aging rate in the world, Abbott focuses on solutions to maintain muscle mass and enhance immunity for adults, an essential part of the healthy aging process.

In Vietnam in particular, although the rate of stunting in children under 5 years old has decreased to 19.6% in 2020, the slow rate of improvement of less than 1% per year since 2015 shows the urgent need for new, science-based solutions. Abbott has accompanied the Vietnam Pediatric Association to implement the Nutrition Improvement Program (QIP), develop scientific guidelines on nutrition screening and intervention, and update growth assessment tools for healthcare professionals, contributing to building a solid health foundation for future generations.

FreeStyle Libre has helped about 6 million people worldwide manage their diabetes better - Photo: VGP/PD

In addition, Abbott also provides comprehensive nutritional solutions, from supporting diabetes control, enhancing immunity, brain development, to caring for cesarean-born children with weak immune systems - helping children have a healthy start from the first years of life.

Not only does Abbott focus on products, it also focuses on developing medical knowledge and the healthcare community. Throughout its development journey in Vietnam, Abbott has built a diverse network of strategic partners, from the Vietnamese Ministry of Health to APEC, focusing on health initiatives including food safety, maternal health and clinical nutrition. In particular, Abbott cooperates with the Vietnam Women's Union to organize specialized medical training programs on women's health.

In addition, Abbott has implemented many initiatives in partnership with health organizations and communities. Through the a:care healthcare support program and professional training programs, Abbott has reached and brought practical value to millions of people nationwide. This is also a clear demonstration of the comprehensive approach - from technology to people - that Abbott is pursuing.

Abbott believes that health is the foundation for a sustainable future. The company aims to improve the health of 3 billion people globally by 2030. In Vietnam, total investment from Abbott and the Abbott Fund for nutrition, chronic disease treatment, medical education and community awareness programs has exceeded VND280 billion.

Mr. Douglas Kuo, Vice President and General Director of Abbott Vietnam, shared on the occasion of Abbott's 30th anniversary of operations in Vietnam: "We are committed to improving the quality of healthcare through technology and innovation to create a healthier and more sustainable future for the people of Vietnam."

Phuong Dung

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/no-luc-khong-ngung-cua-abbott-trong-doi-moi-va-cham-soc-suc-khoe-102250905103715325.htm