Hanoi (VNA) – By carrying out the first limb transplant in Southeast Asia and the first small intestine in Vietnam from a living donor in 2020, the country confirmed its place among the world leaders in transplantation .
Vietnam has experienced meteoric progress in the field of organ transplantation over the past three decades, now positioning itself as the undisputed leader in Southeast Asia in terms of the volume of operations carried out each year.
“Organ transplantation, a true medical feat, made giant strides in the 20th century. These procedures are only possible in countries with advanced medical systems, where infrastructure and expertise are strong,” explains Dr. Pham Gia Khanh, president of the Vietnam Organ Transplantation Association.
Vietnam’s remarkable advances in this area demonstrate its desire to position itself at the forefront of modern medicine and its commitment to improving the quality of life of its citizens.
Achievements
Vietnam’s journey in organ transplantation began in 1992 with a promising first step. Thanks to collaboration with foreign experts and the commitment of prestigious institutions such as Bach Mai Hospital, Viêt Đuc Hospital, Hanoi Medical University Hospital, 108 Central Military Hospital and the Military Medical Academy, the country quickly acquired autonomy.
Indeed, as early as 1993, Vietnamese doctors from the Military Medical Academy carried out their first kidney transplant in complete independence, thus marking the beginning of a meteoric rise in the field.
In 2017, Vietnam marked a turning point in the field of organ transplantation by carrying out lung and heart transplants, particularly complex operations. This dynamic accelerated in 2019 with the increase in lung and kidney transplants from brain-dead donors.
In 2020, the country reached a new milestone in organ transplantation by performing Southeast Asia’s first limb and small intestine transplants from a living donor. In doing so, Vietnam has risen to the rank of the most advanced nations in this field, joining a very restricted circle of countries mastering these complex techniques. Building on these successes, Vietnamese surgeons continued their progress in 2023 with a multi-organ heart and kidney transplant, demonstrating cutting-edge medical expertise and unparalleled logistical organization.
At the start of 2024, with nearly 8,000 organ transplants carried out, including more than 7,000 kidneys and 500 livers, Vietnam has saved thousands of lives and established itself as a major player in transplantation in South Asia. -East. This impressive volume of interventions, coupled with the diversity of transplanted organs, demonstrates the growing expertise of Vietnamese medical teams and their ability to master complex surgical techniques.
Vietnam has an extensive network of 26 transplant centers, demonstrating expertise widely shared throughout the country. Local hospitals, formerly confined to basic care, now master complex surgical techniques, formerly reserved for central establishments. Pioneers such as the 108 Central Military Hospital, the Viêt Đuc Hospital (North), and the hospitals of Huê (Center) and Cho Rây (Ho Chi Minh City) played a leading role in this evolution, establishing new standards in organ transplantation.
Cho Rây Hospital has innovated in kidney transplantation using robotic assistance, making it possible to carry out interventions with unparalleled precision, even in the most complex cases, such as blood group incompatibilities.
Pediatric liver transplants, among the most complex surgical procedures, are now a benchmark within the National Pediatric Hospital. The establishment has developed in-depth expertise in the treatment of difficult pediatric cases such as liver cancer and genetic diseases.
Vietnam now masters a wide range of transplants, from kidney to heart, including liver, pancreas, lung and cornea. With postoperative survival rates comparable, or even higher, than those of developed countries, Vietnam has positioned itself as a world reference, especially since the cost of interventions is significantly lower than that of many other countries.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite significant progress in the field of organ transplantation, Vietnam faces a major challenge: the low rate of organ donation from brain dead people. While 96% of transplants are carried out from living donors, the contribution of deceased donors represents only 4% of the total, a considerable gap compared to international standards.
One of the main challenges facing the organ transplant program in Vietnam is the lack of public awareness. Preconceived ideas, cultural beliefs and ignorance of the altruistic act of organ donation considerably slow down the development of this field. In 2023, the organ donation rate in Vietnam was only 0.15 per million inhabitants, well below that of Spain (43 per million) or Thailand (6 per million). million).
To address this situation, Vietnam has put in place a solid legal framework and ambitious awareness campaigns. The coverage of medical costs linked to transplantation by health insurance, as well as government initiatives such as “Register for tissue and organ donation to save lives – Giving is forever”, have encouraged nearly 100,000 people to register as donors.
However, current regulations require the consent of the family to make donations, even if the deceased has registered beforehand. This can lead to situations where the objection of a single family member prevents a donation.
Dr. Nguyên Thi Kim Tiên, President of the Vietnam Association for Organ and Tissue Donation, highlighted the crucial importance of organ donation, saying: “Every brain-dead person can offer a new chance to several lives. This altruistic act demonstrates a deep spirit of sharing and compassion”.
To overcome these barriers, experts recommend integrating organ donation education into school curricula, using technology to streamline donor registration, and improving transparency of the donation process.
Call to action
Vietnam’s achievements in organ transplantation over the past 30 years are remarkable, but the journey is far from over. Organ donation is not only a medical necessity, but also a legacy of compassion and humanity.
Raising public awareness and breaking down cultural barriers is essential to saving more lives. Educating the public about the humanitarian value of organ donation and its positive social impact can help change perceptions.
Additionally, technology can play a role in coordinating donations and ensuring transparency. By streamlining registration and enabling better tracking of potential donors, Vietnam can increase its efficiency and build public trust.
The medical community, government and Vietnamese society must work together to foster a “culture of giving”. Comprehensive education, policy improvements and strong awareness programs are essential to changing mindsets and removing barriers.
Through a collective effort, Vietnam can continue to build on its successes, offering hope and a second chance to thousands of patients. – CVN/VNA
