The American Biographical Institute (ABI) has voted doctor Do Gia Canh - a scientist from the Central Hygiene and Epidemiology Institute as “Man of the year 2008 in the field of health and health care”. Mr Canh has also been nominated as one of the Great Minds of the 21^st century for his devotion in science and community healthcare both in Vietnam and overseas. Mr Canh granted an exclusive interview to reporter from Radio the Voice of Vietnam to talk about his research.

Reporter: Currently, Vietnam is confronting with a Vibrio cholera epidemic and you are currently conducting research on a vaccine to prevent the epidemic. What is the difference between this vaccine and the other kinds of vaccines?

Dr Canh: I have studied oral cholera vaccines for several years to try and prevent the spread of this virus. This is an oral vaccine and its preventative success rate is 60-70 percent. Currently, the Central Hygiene and Epidemiology Institute and some international organisations are carrying out a study into a new oral cholera vaccine which is in its final stage before putting into use in Vietnam. I hope that this vaccine will be more effective than the previous one.

In addition, I have also proposed a number of measures for preventing the epidemic occuring in the first place. In the 80-90s, Vietnam has worked with the international community to implement a national programme on preventing cholera for a number of years. During these years, the programme proved effective and reduced the number of the cases of acute diarrheoa. The programme had clear objectives and provided training courses from central to grassroots levels to detect the disease as early as possible to make a timely intervention. It also provided information on the disease to health workers, people, teachers and students.

To cope with the spread of cholera in the current context, we should build up another national programme on preventing cholera as Vietnam has a population of 85 million people with a poor economy and poor sanitation as well as a tropical climate.

Reporter: Could you tell us more about your previous studies?

Mr Canh: Most of my studies have focused on cholera prevention researching, epidemiology and the dangerous factors relating to acute diarhoea, personally hygiene and interventions to change poor hygiene.

Before putting any kind of vaccine into use, we need to conduct clinical experiments on humans. Over the past years, both local and foreign scientists have conducted programmes on Good clinical practice (GCP). This is an important principle as the use of vaccines and medicines needs to be safely and effectively monitored and assessed.

Reporter: Being a prestigious scientist in Vietnam and internationally and currently being deputy general secretary of the Vietnam Administration of Preventive Medicine, a member of the US Public Health Association and the World Federation of Public Health Associations, what do you think about Vietnam’s participation in these organisations?

Mr Canh: We are living at a time of globalization, which demands cooperation among scientists within the international community. Vietnam has been actively involved in these associations and get updated on new discoveries and share experiences with other members in developing health services.

Today, Vietnam is playing a greater role in the world. The country has worked well with other developing countries in preventing of fatal epidemics viruses such as SARS, H5N1, and bird flu. The international community has always highlighted Vietnam’s efforts to stamp out the SARS epidemic, and resolve related issues.

Reporter: Could you tell us more about your current studies and future plans?

Mr Canh:  I am conducting four works of research relating to producing many kinds of vaccines in Vietnam such as a hepatitis B vaccine, a typhoid vaccine for children of between 2-5 years old, an oral vaccine for diarrhoea and a vaccine for cervical cancer. 

Reporter: Thank you very much.