The U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, Marc E. Knapper, along with esteemed healthcare representatives, attended the “Love Your Future Self”, the first health exhibition in Vietnam to apply artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D projection technology in HCMC, on October 18, 2024.
This exhibition is entirely free for the public and aims to provide the community with knowledge about HPV, the harmful effects caused by this virus, and preventive methods. The public can visit the event at Nguyen Hue walking street in District 1 from October 18 to October 20.
HPV is a common papillomavirus in humans that can cause various types of cancers and diseases. HPV can infect the skin, genital area, and oropharyngeal region.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most sexually active individuals can be infected with this virus at some point in their lives and usually exhibit no symptoms. Persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV can lead to cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, penile cancer, and anal cancer, as stated by Global Cancer Observatory (GCO). Other types of HPV can cause genital warts.
Applying technology to raise disease prevention awareness in the community
Attendees can experience a unique combination of technology, art, and health care knowledge. With the message “Love Your Future Self”, the exhibition provides participants with comprehensive healthcare information (body, mind, and intellect) and simulated images of themselves in the next 10-20 years.
This encourages people to take a more proactive approach to protecting their health and that of their families from the present, especially by focusing on preventing dangerous diseases, including cancers.
At the exhibition, U.S. Ambassador Marc E. Knapper said he was glad to witness the private sector raising awareness and addressing an issue that is both preventable and treatable, adding that continued efforts from the public and private sectors can help achieve greater success in combating diseases and cancers including those associated with HPV in Vietnam.
According to statistics from 2022 by the WHO and GCO, it is estimated that around 794,000 new cases of HPV-related cancers were diagnosed in both genders globally. Also in 2022, specifically in Vietnam, it is estimated that over 6,200 people were newly diagnosed with HPV-related cancers, among which more than 2,500 cases of cervical cancer deaths were recorded.
Dr. Eric Dziuban, U.S. CDC Director, emphasized the life-saving power of vaccines and applauded the efforts to bring better awareness and availability of HPV vaccination to Vietnam, noting that “a world where young women in Vietnam are protected from cervical cancer is a better world for all of us.”
Love your future self, protect yourself from the present
With the goal of promoting proactive healthy lifestyle, the exhibition area is designed with the concept of time travel, allowing attendees to experience an interesting journey of future exploration with themed zones focused on health and life. At the opening ceremony, Katharina Geppert, managing director of MSD Vietnam, said, “We have great belief and dedication in raising community awareness. When people have access to accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand health information, they can take a more proactive role in protecting themselves and their families. Through our relentless efforts, we aspire to save and improve millions of lives in Vietnam.”
AI technology is thoroughly applied at the exhibition to inspire and enhance interaction for visitors. Not only can they see simulated images of themselves in the future, but they also have the opportunity to interact with Minah—a virtual health influencer. Backed by AI, Minah can provide basic information in response to health, lifestyle, and HPV prevention inquiries for various groups: parents, teenagers, and adults in both genders. For appropriate HPV prevention methods, individuals should seek advice from specialized doctors at licensed medical institutions.
Not only does the exhibition provide information on the harms and prevention of HPV, but it also emphasizes the role of comprehensive health through a lighting show with the messages: Healthy Body – Rightful Mind – Peaceful Spirit. The program also features the art collection “Khang Thuong” – paintings inspired by stories of overcoming fear and trauma from special guests such as: Dr. Hien Minh, Dr. Thuy Ai, singer Huong Tram, the couple Ninh Anh Bui and Nguyen Tung Duong. This collection is part of the namesake podcast program, “Khang Thuong”, co-produced by the Vietnam Association of Preventive Medicine, MSD Vietnam, and Vietcetera, with the purpose of promoting healthy lifestyle.
The exhibition takes place on the occasion of Vietnam Women’s Day, October 20, making it a meaningful opportunity to appreciate and honor the significant role of women in taking care of the wellbeing of families and the community.
MSD is one of the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical companies in the world. For more than 130 years, MSD has been bringing hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. The company is unified around its purpose: Using the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. The company is at the forefront of research, delivering innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in both people and animals. MSD fosters a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operates responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities.
