Vietnam Launches Project ACTIVE 2.0 to Combat Cervical Cancer
Vietnam has launched Project ACTIVE 2.0, a three-year regional initiative designed to strengthen radiotherapy treatment and professional expertise for cervical cancer. The project, which officially began on October 1, focuses on clinical knowledge exchange and professional development for healthcare teams across Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, and Cambodia.
Treatment Capacity vs. Technological Investment
Project ACTIVE 2.0 is based on the idea that improving treatment capabilities necessitates not only technology but also consistent investment in the professional networks, skills, and knowledge of medical teams. Whereas Project ACTIVE 1.0 established the initial framework, this second stage emphasizes knowledge exchange and professional development regarding the radiotherapy components of cervical cancer care, while also investigating ways to assist patients during their recovery.
Activities involving knowledge exchange and training will place a specific emphasis on external beam radiotherapy and image-guided adaptive brachytherapy, alongside pertinent elements of cervical cancer management. To achieve this, international clinical experts and professional partners will contribute to the exchange of clinical knowledge and experience.
Vietnam Targets HPV Vaccination to Reduce Cancer Deaths
The urgency of the project is driven by high mortality rates in Southeast Asia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, the WHO South East Asia Region saw an estimated 100,000 deaths and 160,000 new cases of cervical cancer, representing roughly one-quarter of the global burden of the disease.
In Vietnam, the International Agency for Research on Cancer estimated 8,274 new cases of cervical cancer and 4,110 deaths in 2024. To counter these figures, Vietnam is targeting specific benchmarks:
- 90 per cent HPV vaccination among adolescent girls.
- 70 per cent cervical cancer screening.
- 90 per cent adequate treatment by 2030.
Matt Jackson, UNFPA country representative, stated that achieving 90 per cent HPV vaccination among adolescent girls, 70 per cent cervical cancer screening and 90 per cent adequate treatment by 2030 will enable Vietnam to effectively eliminate cervical cancer by 2055 and avert over 300,000 deaths by the end of the century.
Project ACTIVE 2.0 Trains Oncology Hospital Professionals
Project ACTIVE 2.0 draws upon the lessons of Project ACTIVE 1.0, which partnered with three oncology hospitals: Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, Danang Oncology Hospital, and K Hospital in Hanoi. During this current phase, the project will maintain its partnerships with these hospitals to provide professional training and enable the exchange of clinical knowledge, aiming to further enhance the capacity of healthcare professionals in treating cervical cancer.
- DEG Impulse and Elekta.
- The Federation of Asian Organizations for Radiation Oncology.
- The Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation, supporting its delivery.
Cervical Cancer Care in Vietnam
| Metric/Goal | Target or Estimate | Source/Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated 2024 Deaths (Vietnam) | 4,110 | IARC |
| HPV Vaccination Target | 90% | 2030 Goal |
| Screening Target | 70% | 2030 Goal |
| Elimination Target | Effective Elimination | 2055 Goal |
Common Questions About ACTIVE 2.0
Which specific medical techniques are being prioritized in this phase?
Training and knowledge exchange will focus particularly on external beam radiotherapy and image-guided adaptive brachytherapy, as well as relevant cervical cancer management aspects, while the project will also examine digital methods for supporting patient recovery and follow-up after treatment.
How does this project differ from ACTIVE 1.0?
This initiative represents the subsequent stage of a partnership that started with Project ACTIVE 1.0, maintaining a focus on connecting medical professionals, bolstering local expertise, and promoting high-quality cervical cancer care in Vietnam.
Which countries are participating in the regional exchange?
To promote collaboration and learning, the project unites development partners, technical partners, clinical experts, and healthcare institutions from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
It remains unclear how the project will measure the immediate impact of the digital recovery tools on patient outcomes or which specific digital platforms will be deployed for follow-up care.
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