Project ACTIVE 2.0 officially launched on October 1 to expand regional professional training and clinical knowledge exchange for cervical cancer treatment across Southeast Asia, vir.com.vn reported. The initiative brings together healthcare institutions, technical partners, and international experts across Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, and Cambodia.
Regional Public Health Burden Driving the Initiative
Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern throughout Southeast Asia. According to World Health Organization (WHO) figures cited by vir.com.vn, the WHO South East Asia Region recorded an estimated 160,000 new cases and 100,000 deaths in 2022, which accounts for roughly one-quarter of the global disease burden.
Data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer specifically for Vietnam estimates 8,274 new cases and 4,110 deaths in 2024. These statistics highlight the critical need to bolster every stage of the clinical care pathway, spanning prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.
Building on Project ACTIVE 1.0 Foundations in Vietnam
In Vietnam, ACTIVE 2.0 builds directly on the operational experience established by Project ACTIVE 1.0. The previous phase collaborated closely with three oncology institutions: K Hospital in Hanoi, Danang Oncology Hospital, and Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital.
The new three-year phase continues its partnership with these same three hospitals to deliver advanced professional training. The curriculum places special emphasis on image-guided adaptive brachytherapy, external beam radiotherapy, and related elements of comprehensive cervical cancer management.
German Ministry Backs Regional Cancer Initiative
Support for the regional initiative comes from the Federation of Asian Organizations for Radiation Oncology, Elekta, DEG Impulse, and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation supports its on-the-ground delivery.
“Vietnam continues to pay attention to cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and care,” said Tong Tran Ha, deputy director general of the Administration of Maternal and Children’s Affairs at the Ministry of Health. “We welcome the continued implementation of activities under Project ACTIVE 2.0, particularly those that provide opportunities for healthcare professionals to further develop their knowledge and exchange clinical experience in cervical cancer care.”
Vietnam Aims to Eliminate Cervical Cancer
Beyond radiotherapy training, the project explores digital health approaches to support patient recovery and follow-up care post-treatment. Matt Jackson, UNFPA country representative, noted that achieving 90 per cent HPV vaccination among adolescent girls, 70 per cent screening, and 90 per cent adequate treatment by 2030 will position Vietnam to eliminate cervical cancer by 2055 and avert over 300,000 deaths by century’s end.
“It is encouraging to see Vietnamese and international partners coming together to exchange knowledge and strengthen professional capacity in cervical cancer care,” said Michael Swen Lehmann, second secretary and deputy head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Hanoi. Project Director Paul Lee added that the new phase aims to cement clinical connections that will endure far beyond individual training workshops.
Frequently Asked Questions About Project ACTIVE 2.0
Which hospitals in Vietnam are participating in Project ACTIVE 2.0?
The project works alongside K Hospital in Hanoi, Danang Oncology Hospital, and Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital.
What specific medical techniques are covered in the training?
Training focuses primarily on image-guided adaptive brachytherapy, external beam radiotherapy, and related cervical cancer management protocols.
Who is funding and supporting the initiative?
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, along with Elekta, DEG Impulse, and the Federation of Asian Organizations for Radiation Oncology, provide backing for the regional effort.
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