Sydney & Canberra, June 2025 — The delegation from the Vietnamese Ministry of Health undertook a study tour in Australia, featuring senior representatives from the Vietnam Administration of Disease Prevention of Vietnam Ministry of Health, the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG), the National Children’s Hospital, and the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, along with leading experts in pediatrics and epidemiology.

The visit is part of the GAVI Middle-Income Country Strategy Project, jointly implemented by the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) and the University of Sydney Vietnam Institute (SVI), with support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Highlights of the visit

Working session at the University of Sydney: Bridging academic research and health policy

A key highlight of the visit was an in-depth working session at the University of Sydney, where the delegation engaged with Australian experts on the latest advancements in immunization, diagnostic and screening technologies, and the development of tuberculosis (TB) vaccines.

Dr. Vo Hai Son, Deputy Director of Vietnam Administration on Disease Prevention, Ministry of Health, shared:

“Today’s visit and working session with the University of Sydney provided a valuable opportunity to exchange insights in vaccine research. I believe the connections made today will significantly support Vietnam in strengthening our vaccine policy advisory systems, expanding training and research collaboration, transferring technical knowledge, and developing a more sustainable, equitable, and effective immunization program.”

Exploring RNA technologies at the UNSW RNA Institute

The delegation also visited the UNSW RNA Institute, a national leader in RNA research and development. Established in 2021 with support from UNSW and the NSW Ministry of Health, the Institute houses advanced capabilities for the production of synthetic RNA, mRNA, plasmid DNA, and analytical systems such as HPLC-MS and HPLC-CAD. RNA is expected to become a transformative health technology, projected to contribute up to AUD 8 billion to Australia’s GDP by 2033.

Official reception at NSW Parliament House

In Sydney, the delegation was honoured with an official welcome at New South Wales Parliament House, hosted by NSW Investment. The occasion marked a symbolic moment for Vietnam’s growing presence in international health diplomacy and cooperation.

Engagement with NSW Health

During their visit to NSW Health, the delegation explored the complexities of Australia’s public health system and its immunization program. They also had the opportunity to meet Dr. Kerry Chant, Chief Health Officer of NSW. The discussions offered valuable insights into effective and sustainable health system models.

Meetings in Canberra with the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DoHDA) and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ATAGI)

While in Canberra, the Vietnamese delegation held in-depth discussions with the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DoHDA) to exchange perspectives on each country’s immunization program. The two sides had an in-depth discussion on healthcare systems, immunization programs, antimicrobial resistance surveillance, viral gene sequencing, and community antibody surveys. The Vietnamese representatives also shared updates on the situation of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) and the challenges in maintaining sustainable coverage

The delegation also attended a two-day official meeting of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ATAGI), a key body responsible for shaping vaccination policy in Australia. There, the Vietnamese delegation gained comprehensive insight into Australia's working processes and vaccination policy consultation through reports from relevant agencies, in-depth discussions on new vaccines, updates on pertussis and pneumococcal vaccines, as well as vaccination strategies for immunocompromised groups. The meeting also included updates on the national immunization program and discussions on the WHO-developed NITAG Maturity Assessment Tool (NMAT), providing an important opportunity for Vietnam's Vaccine Advisory Council to benchmark and enhance its capacity.

Attending the ATAGI meeting not only helped the Vietnamese delegation gain a deeper understanding of the operational model and decision-making process of a technical council in immunization, but also marked a significant beginning, fostering extensive professional cooperation between the two sides, contributing towards a robust preventive health system.

Working together for a healthier future

This study tour offers a valuable opportunity for Vietnam to enhance its vaccine decision-making systems, expand partnerships in workforce development, research, and technology transfer, and build a more resilient and equitable national immunization program.