Design and Implementation of Research on the Health Impacts of Ambient Air Pollution in Viet Nam

WHO seeks eligible and competent Viet Nam-based research institutions to design and implement research on the health impacts of ambient air pollution in Viet Nam. The research will address priority evidence gaps identified through a WHO Viet Nam Country Office scoping review and strengthen the locally generated evidence needed for national and subnational policy, public-health planning and action. Air pollution is a major contributor to the disease burden in Viet Nam. Existing Viet Nam research has provided important evidence, particularly on PM2.5 and short-term health effects. However, the evidence base remains disproportionately concentrated on PM2.5, short-term outcomes, Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, while other health-relevant pollutants and particulate-matter constituents, long-term effects, vulnerable or under-represented populations, and other geographic settings remain less studied. PM2.5 remains a major health-relevant pollutant and an important national and regional priority. A proposal focused on PM2.5 is therefore eligible where it meaningfully addresses another priority gap, such as long-term effects, vulnerable populations or geographic representation. At the same time, WHO particularly welcomes scientifically justified research on ozone, nitrogen dioxide, black carbon, particulate-matter constituents/components and multi-pollutant exposure. The work supports implementation of the National Action Plan on Pollution Remediation and Air Quality Management for 2026-2030, with a vision to 2045, including the Ministry of Health’s responsibilities to strengthen research on air pollution and public health, use environmental monitoring data with health data, and develop evidence for health protection, especially for vulnerable groups.