Palliative Care in Viet Nam: Findings from a Rapid Situation Analysis in Five Provinces

In Việt Nam, 263,000 people are estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS and approximately 150,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year. It is well documented that pain and suffering are prevalent among people with these and other life-limiting illnesses. While international research shows that from 60 to 80% of people with HIV/AIDS and cancer will experience distressing symptoms including pain particularly in the last stages of life, very little is known regarding palliative care needs in Viet Nam.

To better appreciate and respond to the full spectrum of palliative care needs in Việt Nam, the Therapy Department of the Ministry of Health in cooperation with international partners, FHI, Policy Project, VCHAP, USAID and USCDC through the US Government President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, conducted in summer 2005 a rapid situation analysis (RSA) in five high HIV and cancer prevalence provinces in Việt Nam: Hanoi, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, HCMC and An Giang.