General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and President of Viet Nam To Lam met with representatives of some organisations and businesses in the Philippines on May 31 afternoon, part of his state visit to the archipelagic nation.

At the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned that Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Hanta virus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship are only the latest crises facing a world in a dangerous period, with divisions due to conflict, economic turmoil, and climate change.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long has highlighted Viet Nam’s commitment to providing free hospital services and regular health check-ups, describing it as a strong demonstration of the Party and Government’s determination to improve citizens’ quality of life.

As of August 2023, at least 104 countries had imposed special consumption taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, including six nations in Southeast Asia. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Viet Nam is lagging behind many countries in imposing taxes to prevent the harmful effects of sugary drinks.