Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long receives Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Western Pacific Region, Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala. (photo: VOV)

During a meeting with Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Western Pacific Region, on Monday, Deputy PM Long reiterated the Vietnamese Party and State’s clear and consistent stance on public health, noting that health care is the responsibility of the entire political system, and that disease prevention will receive more attention to improve public health and reduce hospital visits.

Deputy PM Long expressed his hope for continued close cooperation from WHO in areas such as policy advice, workforce training, health policy communication, and disease prevention and control. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s active and responsible participation in WHO’s mission to improve health for all.

Dr. Piukala welcomed Vietnam’s adoption of the amended Special Consumption Tax Law in June 2025, which raises taxes on alcohol, beer, tobacco, and high-sugar beverages and banned e-cigarettes. He noted the significance of these measures to protecting the health of young people and highlighted the presentation of the World No Tobacco Day Award to Vietnam’s Minister of Health on August 25 as further evidence of the country’s commitment in this field.

Piukala thanked the Government of Vietnam for promoting cooperation with WHO and confirmed WHO’s readiness to provide technical support to enhance the health of Vietnamese people. He also voiced his hope to further strengthen collaboration with Vietnam in the future.