Strengthening countries’ capacity to track exposure to carcinogens and diagnose occupational diseases is essential to achieving justice and improving workers’ health.
For this reason, Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA and Vietnam’s Health Strategy and Policy Institute (HSPI) have signed a five-year agreement to strengthen the evidence base on occupational exposure to carcinogens among Vietnamese workers and to support the development and implementation of improved health policies.
How does it help workers?
In 2022, a peer-reviewed academic study found that 3.5-5% of all cancer deaths were estimated to be from occupational carcinogens (meaning approximately 500,000 occupational cancer deaths). These diseases are often underdiagnosed, as symptoms can take up to 20 years to appear. This not only affects workers’ health but also limits their ability to claim compensation.
Under this new collaboration, APHEDA and the HSPI will develop research tools to monitor workers’ and communities’ exposure to harmful chemicals. The project will pilot a registry system for occupational lung diseases, supporting long-term care and building an evidence base on the prevalence and impact of occupational carcinogens in Vietnam.
On 8 April, Ms Hoang Thi Le Hang, Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA’s Vietnam Country Representative, and Dr Nguyen Khanh Phuong, Director of HSPI—an arm of Vietnam’s Ministry of Health—signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise the cooperation.
Key activities under the project include:
- Development and piloting of research tools, including a digital exposure registry to use in policy advocacy and to document worker exposure for future potential compensation claims.
- Research on exposure to occupational carcinogens in Thai Nguyen and Dong Nai provinces and the development of evidence to advocate for improved regulations.
- Hosting community communication events to inform workers and local communities about the risks of exposure and build grassroots support for further regulation of occupational carcinogens.
Ms. Hang outlined the important role of the HSPI:
“The HSPI’s role in developing and improving Vietnam’s health policies is crucial. They undertake health research and build an evidence base for informed decision-making and policy development. This project is a great opportunity for Australia to work with Vietnam and share our experiences and lessons from managing occupational carcinogens and boost international cooperation.”