Vietnam marks National Health Day on April 7 to promote proactive health care and preventive measures

Vietnam’s Politburo Resolution 72-NQ/TW, issued on September 9, 2025, on breakthrough solutions to protect, care for and improve the people’s health, has agreed to designate April 7 each year as National Health Day. The resolution sets out a policy shift from a disease-centered, curative model to proactive prevention and comprehensive health care, with an emphasis on early intervention and remote care across the life cycle.

Policy shift and alignment with World Health Day

Health Minister Dao Hong Lan said the World Health Organization selected April 7 as World Health Day to convey a central message: health is not guaranteed—it is the result of care, prevention and collective action. Minister Dao Hong Lan described National Health Day not only as a celebration, but as a call for countries, organizations and individuals to reflect on and address global health issues, encouraging people to change habits, improve quality of life and build a healthier future for current and future generations.

From 2026, Vietnam will officially designate April 7 as National Health Day. The decision to coincide with World Health Day is intended to reflect Vietnam’s commitment to ensuring access to quality, fair and sustainable health services for all.

Theme and implementation from 2026

This year’s observance marks the first implementation under the theme “Proactive disease prevention – For a healthy Vietnam.” The program is designed to reinforce the shift toward prevention, strengthening protection, care and population health across the life cycle in line with Resolution 72-NQ/TW.

Planned activities will include practical measures to implement Party and State public health guidelines, along with communication efforts to promote healthy living in communities. The resolution also calls for mobilizing participation from Party committees, authorities, localities, ministries, departments, social-political organizations and businesses to deliver concrete health care solutions.

Key health challenges cited

Minister Dao Hong Lan said the health sector faces multiple challenges, including changing disease patterns and rising non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension and diabetes. Other pressures include an aging population, climate change, mental health issues and the risk of new outbreaks.

In this context, prevention is described as not only the responsibility of the health sector, but of the entire political system and society, with citizens as the main actors.

Actions expected from citizens

The health sector urged citizens to take practical steps despite busy schedules and life pressures. Minister Dao Hong Lan emphasized that individuals should allocate more time and attention to personal health, build knowledge and proactively prevent disease.

“Regular physical exercise should be regarded as a self-fulfilling need, a daily habit. A healthy body is the strongest shield against all diseases,” Minister Dao Hong Lan said.

Citizens are also encouraged to cultivate a health-conscious culture and maintain a scientifically grounded lifestyle, including proper nutrition and food safety, reducing tobacco and alcohol use and other risk factors, and protecting a green, clean and healthy living environment.

In addition, the resolution highlights the need to change the habit of waiting until illness occurs to seek medical care. Instead, people should actively participate in periodic health checkups and early screenings to reduce the burden on families and society.

Focus of National Health Day 2026

Through National Health Day 2026, the health sector calls for greater attention to the health of individuals and families, promoting a healthy lifestyle, increased physical activity, proper nutrition, regular health checks, full immunization and attention to mental health.

First-time organization of National Health Day on 7/4.