Vietnam – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in Vietnam?

Public health researchers describe Vietnam as carrying a “double burden” of disease: a swift expansion of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) running alongside ongoing challenges from infectious illnesses. NCDs have become the primary driver of mortality, responsible for roughly 77% of all deaths — a pattern mirrored across much of Southeast and East Asia as economies develop, populations urbanise, and life expectancy extends.

As urbanisation accelerates and daily routines shift, diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and diabetes are occurring with increasing frequency. Hospital data reflect this shift: between 65% and 75% of inpatients are now being treated for non-communicable conditions, with oncology, cardiology, and respiratory wards under particular strain.

Statistics from the National Institute of Endocrinology indicate that around 6–7% of the Vietnamese population is living with diabetes. The problem is compounded by the large proportion of cases that go undetected — rapid urbanisation, desk-bound employment, and less physically active lifestyles in big cities all heighten the risk without adequate screening programmes to catch it early.

Drug-resistant tuberculosis, pathogenic influenza strains, HIV/AIDS, and tobacco consumption remain persistent threats to population health. Vietnam also faces ongoing challenges in the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, with HIV/AIDS being the most prevalent — affecting more than 200,000 people nationally.

Health outcomes are not uniform across the country. Despite meaningful progress overall, considerable disparities persist between geographic regions and across socioeconomic groups. The Central Highlands and northern mountainous provinces — where poverty rates are higher and healthcare facilities fewer — record lower life expectancy and elevated rates of preventable illness compared with major urban centres, where residents have greater access to services but face distinct risks from environmental pollution and lifestyle-related disease.

Is Vietnam considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

Measured against other nations in Southeast Asia and adjusted for income level, Vietnam achieves reasonably strong results on core health indicators. Life expectancy has climbed steadily, reaching 74.5 years in 2023 — nearly a full year above the preceding four-year average — and advancing to 74.6 years in 2024, as recorded by the Ministry of Health.

This places Vietnam above the global average life expectancy; in 2022, the figure of 75.67 years represented a lead of approximately 2.51 years over the worldwide mean. In 2024, women in Vietnam lived to an average age of 77.3 years, while men reached 72.3 years on average.

However, the headline figures require some qualification. While overall longevity compares favourably internationally, healthy life expectancy — the number of years lived in good health — tells a more nuanced story. In 2019, a 60-year-old Vietnamese man could anticipate 12.9 further years free of serious disability, while a woman of the same age could expect 16.4 such years, both slightly below the global figures of 14.8 and 16.6 years respectively. This implies that Vietnamese people, though living comparatively long lives, may spend a greater share of their later years managing chronic conditions.

Viewed over a longer timeframe, progress has been substantial. Between 1990 and 2020, life expectancy rose from 69 to 75 years, and the under-five mortality rate dropped from 30 to 21 deaths per 1,000 live births. Vietnam currently records a life expectancy roughly 2.4 years above the global average — a notable achievement for a middle-income country.

For the most current and authoritative health data on Vietnam, readers should refer to the WHO Vietnam country profile and the Vietnam Ministry of Health, both of which update their figures on a regular basis.

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s tropical climate creates favourable conditions for a range of infectious diseases, with dengue fever and tuberculosis standing out as the most significant ongoing threats. The warm, humid environment supports large populations of Aedes mosquitoes — the principal vectors for the dengue virus — and the country has seen fluctuating caseloads over the years, with transmission typically peaking between June and October.

In September 2024, Vietnam began rolling out the dengue vaccine Qdenga across more than 200 health centres nationwide, in an effort to curb the scale of future outbreaks. The disease circulates throughout both northern and southern Vietnam, though it tends to reach its seasonal peak earlier in the south. Unlike malaria, there is no preventive drug for dengue; protecting yourself means using insect repellent, wearing clothing that covers the arms and legs, and eliminating standing water around your home where mosquitoes breed.

Tuberculosis remains a serious public health issue. The CDC collaborates with Vietnam to strengthen national strategic plans, build a public health reference laboratory network, and develop clinical capacity for detecting antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, including drug-resistant TB strains. Expats planning an extended stay should discuss TB screening with a travel medicine or occupational health doctor both before departure and after settling in.

Measles has also posed a recurring challenge, with a notable outbreak in 2024 producing more than 7,500 confirmed cases — concentrated mainly in southern provinces and linked to historically low vaccination coverage in those communities. Ensuring your routine immunisations are fully up to date, including the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, is an important pre-departure step.

Additional infectious disease risks worth discussing with a travel health specialist include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies (especially relevant for anyone who will be around animals or spending time in rural areas), and Japanese encephalitis. Malaria does persist in isolated, forested parts of the country — particularly border zones and sections of the Central Highlands — although the risk in large cities is effectively negligible. Tackling the final pockets of transmission, predominantly in remote communities and among ethnic minority groups in high-risk zones, remains a key challenge on Vietnam’s path to malaria elimination.

Air pollution presents a substantial environmental health risk, most acutely in the country’s major cities. Exposure to urban air pollution has been associated with cardiovascular disease, lung disease, cancer, and serious lower respiratory infections in young children. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City regularly record unfavourable air quality index (AQI) readings, with conditions worsening during the cooler months when atmospheric inversions trap fine particulate matter near ground level. Expats who have asthma, existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, or young children should make a habit of checking air quality applications such as IQAir, and should consider installing air purifiers at home.

Food and water hygiene also warrants careful attention. Vietnam’s tap water is not safe for consumption, and expatriates should use bottled or properly filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth. Street food is an enjoyable and integral part of Vietnamese daily life, but it does carry some risk of foodborne illness — particularly from undercooked meat, raw vegetables rinsed in tap water, and shellfish.

Before relocating, always consult your home country’s official travel health authority — such as the CDC (USA), the NHS TravelHealthPro (UK), or the relevant national equivalent — for up-to-date vaccination recommendations and health advisories specific to Vietnam. Guidance changes over time, and personalised medical advice from a qualified practitioner is essential.

Is smoking common in Vietnam, and what are the laws around it?

Tobacco use is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese society, most visibly among men. As in much of Asia, the gender disparity is pronounced: according to WHO figures, around 42.3% of adult men smoke, compared with just 1.7% of women. The blended adult smoking rate across both sexes stands at approximately 20.8%, with the male prevalence recorded at 41.1% in 2021 — placing Vietnam among the nations with the highest rates of male tobacco consumption globally.

With over 15 million smokers, the health and economic toll is substantial. Economic losses attributable to tobacco have been estimated at VND 108 trillion, equivalent to approximately 1.14% of GDP annually, factoring in reduced workforce participation and lost productivity. Expats arriving from countries where indoor smoking has largely been phased out may find the frequency of second-hand smoke exposure in Vietnam — in restaurants, social gatherings, and smaller businesses — a notable change.

Although women smoke at far lower rates, the passive exposure figures are striking: 48% of Vietnamese women regularly encounter second-hand smoke at home, and 25% are exposed to it in the workplace. For non-smokers, this involuntary exposure carries real health implications, especially in enclosed spaces such as small cafés, bars, and private homes.

Vietnam has national tobacco control legislation that mandates smoke-free environments in hospitals and healthcare settings, schools, government premises, enclosed workplaces, and certain hospitality venues. In practice, however, enforcement is uneven — particularly in smaller establishments and in cities and towns outside the main urban centres. Tobacco taxes in Vietnam represent only around 36% of the retail cigarette price, far below the global average of 62% and well short of the WHO’s recommended minimum of 75% — contributing to the relatively low cost of cigarettes and sustaining high consumption rates compared with countries such as Australia or those in Western Europe where steep taxation has significantly reduced smoking prevalence.

One area where Vietnam has moved decisively is the regulation of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs). In November 2024, the National Assembly passed Resolution 173/2024/QH15, imposing a sweeping prohibition on the manufacture, sale, importation, storage, transportation, and use of these products — a landmark step in Vietnamese public health policy. Data from Bach Mai Hospital’s Poison Control Centre has since recorded a reduction of almost 70% in emergency presentations linked to harmful use of these products following the ban’s enactment. Expats should be clearly aware that vaping and e-cigarettes are illegal in Vietnam.

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s obesity rates remain well below those of many high-income nations in absolute terms, yet the pace of increase is alarming. The prevalence of overweight and obesity rose by approximately 550% nationally between 1993 and 2015, with the highest rates concentrated in urban settings and among women over the age of 35. While the current absolute prevalence is still considerably lower than in more industrialised countries, the trajectory of growth is a major concern for public health planners.

The rise of NCDs is driven in part by an ageing population and increasingly sedentary, high-calorie lifestyles. Physical inactivity among adolescents has grown sharply, and data suggest that more than half of the female population is now classified as overweight. Diabetes prevalence is on course to nearly double by 2030, with insufficient physical activity and rising body weight identified as key contributing factors to this projected surge.

The traditional Vietnamese diet — built around rice, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, fish sauce, and modest quantities of protein — is widely regarded as nutritionally sound and relatively low in saturated fat. However, despite these strengths, it is characterised by very high salt intake. Vietnamese studies report average daily salt consumption of approximately 18 to 22 grams per day — far above the WHO’s recommended ceiling of 5 grams per day — posing a significant risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

The increasing adoption of a Westernised dietary pattern — calorie-dense, high in animal fats and refined sugars, and low in fresh fruit and vegetables — is expected to translate into a heavier cardiovascular disease burden in the coming decades. Fast food outlets have proliferated in major cities, and consumption of processed and packaged foods has risen sharply, particularly among younger urban residents.

The Vietnam Non-communicable Diseases Prevention and Control Alliance (NCDs-VN) has been established to advocate for and support NCD prevention targets aligned with the WHO’s 2025 objectives. The Ministry of Health has also endorsed programmes to improve early detection and chronic disease management — including for diabetes and cardiovascular conditions — through community health stations and screening initiatives in workplaces.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in Vietnam?

Mental health stands out as one of the more complex dimensions of public health in Vietnam, both in terms of available services and prevailing social attitudes. Across many areas of healthcare, social stigma can deter individuals from seeking the help they need — and this problem is especially acute when it comes to mental illness. In more traditional or rural communities in particular, psychological conditions may be interpreted through a spiritual or moral lens, or viewed as a source of shame for the individual and their family.

The Ministry of Health has put in place a dedicated programme targeting the prevention, identification, and management of non-communicable diseases alongside mental health disorders. The initiative aims to strengthen preventive care, improve early detection, and enhance treatment pathways, with the goal of reducing premature deaths from conditions including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and mental health disorders.

Vietnam’s public mental health infrastructure is modest in comparison with countries that have well-resourced universal healthcare systems. Unlike nations such as France, Germany, or Canada — where mental health services are typically embedded within primary care and covered by statutory insurance — Vietnam’s publicly funded provision is centred primarily on psychiatric hospitals, with minimal outpatient or community-based alternatives. The ratio of trained psychiatrists and clinical psychologists to population remains low, and waiting times at public facilities can be considerable.

Private mental health services are expanding, particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where a growing number of clinics offer consultations in several languages including English, French, Japanese, and Korean. International hospitals such as Vinmec, FV Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi French Hospital either employ psychologists directly or maintain referral networks with suitable practitioners. Expats based in smaller cities or provincial areas will find the options considerably more restricted.

Attitudes towards mental health are nonetheless shifting, especially among younger urban Vietnamese. The COVID-19 pandemic brought mental wellbeing into mainstream public conversation, and government and NGO-led awareness campaigns have contributed incrementally to stigma reduction. Expats who experience mental health difficulties should seek support without delay, and should ensure that their health insurance policy includes mental health coverage — something frequently absent from basic plans.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in Vietnam?

Moving to Vietnam introduces a set of health considerations that are particularly pertinent for those transitioning from different climates or disease environments. Adapting to a hot, humid tropical climate can take weeks or even months, and the adjustment period is commonly associated with fatigue, heat exhaustion, skin irritation, and gastrointestinal complaints. The risk of dehydration is real, especially for those exercising outdoors in the summer heat.

A comprehensive medical check-up is advisable both before departure and shortly after arrival. Given Vietnam’s relatively high incidence of tuberculosis, screening for TB is especially important. It is also worth checking hepatitis B status and baseline blood glucose levels, in light of the country’s rapidly rising diabetes prevalence. A thorough pre-departure vaccination review is strongly recommended, covering at a minimum hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies (pre-exposure course), and confirmation that all routine immunisations are current.

Urban air pollution is a material health risk in Vietnam’s cities, associated with cardiovascular disease, pulmonary conditions, cancer, and acute lower respiratory tract infections in children. Expats with existing respiratory or cardiac conditions should carefully evaluate their risk in consultation with a physician before committing to a city posting, and should develop a routine of monitoring AQI levels in their area.

Road safety deserves greater attention than it often receives as a health consideration. Vietnam’s roads carry high rates of traffic accidents, with motorcycles forming the dominant mode of transport. Expats intending to ride a motorcycle or bicycle should always wear an appropriately rated helmet and should take time to understand that local road conventions, right-of-way customs, and driving behaviour may differ substantially from what they are accustomed to at home.

Access to familiar medicines is another area that can catch expats off guard. Pharmacies are plentiful throughout Vietnam and many prescription drugs are obtainable over the counter, but availability is not guaranteed for every medication, and supply chains can be inconsistent. Expats should arrive with a sufficient stock of any ongoing prescriptions, carry written documentation from their prescribing physician, and ensure their health insurance covers both outpatient and inpatient care — with medical evacuation cover strongly recommended should serious illness require treatment abroad.

Vietnam has committed to upgrading six hospitals to international standards in 2024, partly in response to the significant numbers of Vietnamese citizens currently travelling abroad for specialist treatment. International-standard private facilities exist in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but expats living in more remote parts of the country should be prepared to travel considerable distances for specialist consultations or advanced care.

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in Vietnam?

The principal authoritative sources for health information within Vietnam are the Ministry of Health (Bộ Y tế) and the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE), which publishes disease surveillance reports and outbreak notifications. For comparative global health data and international benchmarking, the WHO Vietnam country profile offers the most dependable starting point.

For expats, the following practical resources are particularly worth knowing about:

• International hospitals: FV Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City), Vinmec International Hospital (multiple locations), Hanoi French Hospital, and Family Medical Practice (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) all deliver care to internationally recognised standards and typically employ multilingual clinical staff.
• Travel health advice: Consult your home country’s official travel health authority — such as the US CDC Travel Health page for Vietnam, the UK’s NHS TravelHealthPro, or your country’s national equivalent — for vaccination schedules, outbreak bulletins, and health safety guidance relevant to Vietnam.
• Air quality monitoring: Platforms such as IQAir and the AirVisual application provide real-time air quality indices for cities across Vietnam.
• Vietnam’s General Statistics Office (GSO): Publishes national health and demographic statistics, accessible at gso.gov.vn.

A new healthcare law scheduled to come into effect on 1 July 2025 will broaden the range of facilities that patients may access, and will introduce other changes — including allowing those with rare or advanced conditions to be transferred directly to higher-level facilities without prior approval requirements. These and other ongoing reforms mean that Vietnam’s healthcare landscape continues to evolve, and expats are advised to rely on current official sources rather than guidance that may have quickly become outdated.

Disease risks, vaccination guidelines, and public health advisories can shift rapidly — particularly in a tropical country with pronounced seasonal patterns. Verifying information through official channels before relocating, and continuing to do so at regular intervals after arrival, is essential. Connecting with local expat community groups is also a practical way to exchange up-to-date, ground-level knowledge about healthcare providers, clinics, and services in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in Vietnam

Is it safe to drink tap water in Vietnam?

No. Tap water in Vietnam is not considered safe for consumption. Expats should rely on bottled water or water treated through a reliable home filtration system for drinking and tooth-brushing. Large water bottles are widely available and inexpensively priced at supermarkets and convenience stores throughout the country, and many residences are equipped with water dispensers or filtration units.

What vaccinations do I need before moving to Vietnam?

The core vaccinations typically recommended for Vietnam include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies (pre-exposure prophylaxis, particularly for those who will be in contact with animals or spending time in rural areas), and tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis. Influenza vaccination is also sensible. All routine immunisations — including MMR and polio — should be confirmed as current. A travel medicine specialist or your national travel health authority should always be consulted for personalised advice, as recommendations can change.

How serious is air pollution in Vietnam?

Air pollution is a substantial environmental health risk in Vietnam’s urban centres, linked to cardiovascular disease, pulmonary conditions, cancer, and serious lower respiratory infections in young children. Hanoi typically experiences worse air quality than Ho Chi Minh City, most acutely during the cooler, calmer months from November to March when atmospheric conditions trap particulate matter close to ground level. Expats should make a routine of checking daily AQI readings and should consider purchasing air purifiers for their home and place of work.

Is dengue fever a serious risk for expats in Vietnam?

Vietnam has recorded fluctuating dengue caseloads over the years, with transmission peaking characteristically between June and October. Despite the challenges, mortality has been kept below 1 per 1,000 cases since 2005 through sustained control efforts. Although dengue is rarely fatal when diagnosed and managed promptly, it can result in serious illness. No preventive medication is available; the most effective protection is avoiding mosquito bites through repellent, appropriate clothing, and eliminating standing water near your home.

Are e-cigarettes and vaping legal in Vietnam?

No. Vietnam’s National Assembly passed a comprehensive prohibition on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products in November 2024 through Resolution 173/2024/QH15, with the stated aim of protecting the health of young people and the broader population. The ban encompasses manufacture, commercial sale, importation, transportation, and personal use. Expats who use vaping products should be fully aware that this prohibition applies to them.

What mental health support is available for expats in Vietnam?

Private mental health services are available in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with a number of international hospitals and private clinics offering psychology and psychiatry consultations in English and other languages. Publicly funded mental health provision is limited relative to countries with comprehensive integrated healthcare systems. Expats should ensure their health insurance policy specifically includes mental health coverage, and are encouraged to identify suitable providers before their move. Teletherapy and online counselling services can be a useful supplement, particularly for those based in smaller cities or provincial locations.

How does Vietnam’s healthcare system handle chronic diseases like diabetes?

The Ministry of Health has endorsed programmes aimed at improving prevention, early identification, and treatment management for non-communicable diseases — including diabetes — through community health stations and workplace screening initiatives. For expats, the most reliable pathway to managing a chronic condition such as diabetes is through the country’s international private hospitals, where English-speaking endocrinologists and general practitioners are on hand. Arriving with an ample supply of regular medications is advisable, as the availability of specific products can vary.

Is rabies a risk in Vietnam?

Yes. Rabies is present in Vietnam and is transmitted primarily through bites or scratches from infected dogs, cats, and certain wild animals. Stray dogs are a common sight across much of the country. Pre-exposure vaccination is strongly recommended for all expats, particularly those living outside major urban centres or who anticipate regular contact with animals. Anyone bitten or scratched by an animal must seek medical attention without delay — post-exposure prophylaxis needs to be administered promptly and is available at international hospitals and dedicated rabies vaccination centres across Vietnam.