April 7th is annually designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as World Health Day to raise global awareness of health issues. In alignment with this international event, the Politburo of Vietnam issued Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW (dated September 9, 2025), officially designating April 7th as National Health Day. This is a crucial milestone, marking a strong shift in the mindset regarding community healthcare.
The Strategic Significance of National Health Day (Resolution 72-NQ/TW)
Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW of the Politburo emphasizes that caring for, protecting, and improving the people’s health is the central focus of socio-economic development. The establishment of National Health Day signifies a strategic shift from a treatment-centric approach to proactive disease prevention.
This strategy aims at comprehensive, continuous, and life-course management, protection, and improvement of citizens’ health. International health organizations also affirm that investing in preventive medicine and proactive disease prevention is a sustainable solution to reduce the burden on the healthcare system and improve the quality of life.
2026 Theme: “Proactive Prevention – For a Healthy Vietnam.”
Implementing Plan No. 462/KH-BYT dated March 23, 2026, by the Ministry of Health, National Health Day 2026 is launched under the theme: “Proactive Prevention – For a Healthy Vietnam”.
The core objective of the plan is to enhance communication, encouraging the entire population to practice healthy lifestyles, engage in regular physical exercise, and proactively prevent diseases. In particular, preventive measures are heavily emphasized through two main pillars: vaccination to prevent dangerous infectious diseases and early screening for non-communicable diseases.
Key Nationwide Response Activities
In response to the Ministry of Health’s Plan, localities across the country are urgently implementing practical activities to bring healthcare services closer to the people.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the healthcare sector is organizing a highlight event on Sunday, April 5, 2026, featuring 60 free health screening points at local health stations, attracting the participation of 56 public hospitals. It is estimated that around 16,000 citizens will receive health screenings, with a focus on conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Other provinces, such as Cao Bang, have also proactively issued official directives to organize community screening activities.
This year’s event is not merely a superficial campaign but aims at the long-term goal of tightly connecting the chain of activities: communication – advocacy – health examination – proactive and sustainable health management.
The Role of Healthcare Workers in the New Era
The National Health Day, April 7th, event requires active participation from all ministries, sectors, medical facilities, and the entire community. For medical professionals, this is an opportunity to maximize their roles in consulting and health education, helping citizens clearly understand the importance of proactive disease prevention, thereby joining hands to build a healthy and safe community.
Assoc. Prof. La Ngoc Quang – Center for Support & Continuing Education