The Vietnam–Sweden Health Partnership Forum was held in Stockholm in late January, co-organised by the Vietnamese Embassy and Karolinska Institutet. The event brought together government, research and healthcare representatives to discuss future cooperation in health research and innovation.
Vietnam’s Ambassador to Sweden, Tran Van Tuan, said the relationship builds on diplomatic ties established in 1969. He said long-term collaboration has included scientific exchanges and capacity building across health sciences.
Speakers highlighted a focus on maternal and newborn health, including perinatal and neonatal care. Global health expert Mariam Claeson said Sweden could learn from Vietnam’s rapid public health responses during pandemics.
One project presented was NeoSpirit/NeoSurf, led by Tobias Alfvén, involving cooperation between Phu San Hanoi Hospital and Karolinska Institutet. The project is developing a neonatal airway device designed for preterm infants.
Sweden’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Johan Ndisi, said both countries aim to continue joint work through platforms such as the Sweden–Vietnam Health Innovation Initiative. The forum outlined plans for expanded research collaboration, technology co-development and academic partnerships.
