Queen Elizabeth-knighted professor travels to Vietnam for medical discussion
Wednesday, December 06, 2023, 21:45 GMT+7
Professor Jonathan Van Tam, who was awarded a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth in January 2022 on the New Year's honors list for his services fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, arrived in Vietnam on Tuesday to present anti-epidemic measures.
His working trip to Vietnam was made at the invitation of the Tam Anh Research Institute under Tam Anh Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.
He is a British healthcare professional specializing in influenza, epidemiology, vaccinology, antiviral drugs, and pandemic preparedness.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the professor of Vietnamese origin served as deputy chief medical officer for England.
His first Vietnam visit drew the attention from the UK Embassy in Vietnam and local scientists thanks to his key role in studies on infectious diseases that have taken a heavy toll on the Southeast Asian nation.
He was set to participate in various medical activities at major healthcare facilities in Vietnam.
Among them will be a medical discussion session attended by scientists at the Tam Anh Research Institute.
He will also meet with the leaders of the Vietnamese Ministry of Health, AstraZeneca, and the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in Vietnam.
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| Professor Jonathan Van Tam (L, 6th) visits Vietnam Vaccine JSC (VNVC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Phong Lan / Tuoi Tre |
Prof. Tam will provide local doctors and medical specialists with solutions to vaccination and the fight against diseases.
The world has experienced five pandemics linked to influenza and infectious diseases over the past 100 years, he said.
“The next pandemic might be associated with infectious diseases, and the timing of its occurrence remains uncertain," he warned.
“Proactively conducting research and taking action to prevent it are vital."
The Tam Anh Research Institute expected that his trip would provide an opportunity for Vietnamese scientists to engage with global science and participate in international research projects.
Prof. Tam was impressed by the high number of Vietnamese children and adults accessing high quality vaccines, said a representative of the hospital.
In 2021, the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK honored the professor for his advice on Vietnam's COVID-19 prevention and control measures, as well as vaccination strategies.
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