MCNV FOR INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT

On October 25th, the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (UMP HCMC), in collaboration with the Medisch Comité Nederland – Vietnam (MCNV), marked a major milestone: 10 years of developing Occupational Therapy (OT) education in Vietnam. Anchored by the dialogue themed “Marking the Journey, Embracing the Future,” the event brought together faculty, international partners, alumni, and students to reflect on key achievements and lay out the strategic roadmap for the profession’s next chapter. Formal Occupational Therapy education in Vietnam was kick-started in 2016 through the joint efforts of MCNV, Hai Duong Medical Technical University, and UMP HCMC, under a project funded by the U.S. Government through Handicap International Vietnam (2016–2022). Since 2023, capacity-building activities for OT education have continued through ongoing collaboration between MCNV and both universities, supported by funding from the Netherlands. Over the past ten years, through MCNV’s continued partnership, UMP HCMC has laid a solid foundation for OT education, generating impressive outcomes. Two core lecturers from the Rehabilitation Department, School of Nursing and Medical Technology, graduated from the Master’s program in OT at the highly accredited Manipal Academy of Higher Education (India) in 2022, one of whom is currently pursuing a PhD at Curtin University (Australia). The university has graduated four cohorts totaling 67 Bachelors of Rehabilitation specializing in OT, with an active pipeline of 86 students currently enrolled in the program. Today, UMP HCMC alumni deliver critical care at leading hospitals, including Cho Ray Hospital, 1A Hospital, UMP Hospital, Military Hospital 175, and An Binh Hospital. In addition to working, some alumni continue to pursue higher education locally and abroad. The department’s impact also extends far beyond the lecture hall through sustained international partnerships and scientific output. In 2023, UMP HCMC hosted a landmark OT Conference that brought together leading specialists from the UK, Australia, and India, headlined by Ms. Samantha Shann, the then-President of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). Faculty members regularly represent Vietnam on prominent academic stages, including presenting research at the WFOT Congress 2026 in Thailand and the OT Australia National Conferences in 2023 and 2025. Complementing this, students routinely refine their clinical abilities through hands-on, community-based projects that extend the reach of OT directly to local populations. “The growth, dedication, and energy displayed by the OT faculty, students, and alumni over the past decade have been truly remarkable,” stated Mr. Pham Dung (MD, MPH), Chief of MCNV Representative Office. As part of the celebration, the Anne Cusick Award was presented to two alumni—Ms. Dao Hoang Phuong Thy and Mr. Ho Le Trung (first cohort)—and two students—Ms. Dang Nguyen Lan Nhi (5th cohort) and Mr. Nguyen Trung Tin (6th cohort)—recognizing their relentless contributions to the development of OT education, OT practice, and excellent academic results. On this occasion, UMP HCMC received numerous congratulatory messages and letters from international partners, including two former Presidents of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), Dr. Marilyn Pattison and Ms. Samantha Shann. Both expressed immense pride in the university’s contribution to building Vietnam’s OT workforce over the past decade, extending their warmest wishes for the continued growth of the profession in […]

On October 10, 2026, Hai Duong Medical Technical University (HMTU), in collaboration with the Medisch Comité Nederland – Vietnam (MCNV), jointly organized a scientific conference celebrating the “10-Year Journey of Building and Developing Occupational Therapy Education.” The milestone event highlights HMTU’s continuous effort toward global integration and enhancing healthcare rehabilitation in Vietnam. Remarkable Achievements Over a Decade of Partnership Over the past decade, with dedicated technical and organizational support from MCNV, HMTU has achieved major milestones in capacity building for Occupational Therapy (OT). The university has completed training for 36 graduates from the work-study Bachelor’s program, 51 graduates from the full-time Bachelor’s program, and provided specialized OT training and certifications for 224 trainee-turns of healthcare staff across various provinces. In total, HMTU has contributed over 200 qualified OT professionals to Vietnam’s healthcare system, playing a critical role in addressing the growing national demand for rehabilitation services. Among the program’s alumni is Ms. Dinh Ngoc Diep, a graduate of the inaugural full-time class for the Bachelor of Rehabilitation in OT in 2024. She currently serves as a lecturer in the Rehabilitation Division within the Faculty of Clinical Medicine at the  University of Public Health. “The curriculum at HMTU empowered me to identify my strengths, choose a suitable career path, and set personal development goals. Now as a lecturer, I continue to receive academic support from my former lecturer at HMTU, particularly regarding teaching methodologies and practical instruction,” said Diep. International Recognition: Achieving WFOT Accreditation (2025–2032) The crowning achievement of the 10-year journey occurred on February 25, 2026, when the Bachelor of Rehabilitation in OT program of HMTU was officially approved as meeting international standards by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) for the 2025–2032 period. The program satisfied rigorous global benchmarks, requiring 60% of the curriculum to be dedicated to specialized OT knowledge, a minimum of 1,000 clinical practice hours, and a well-balanced structure integrating international standards with local context. This accreditation significantly boosts HMTU’s educational standing while opening up enhanced career opportunities and global integration pathways for its students and alumni. Vision for Future Development Speaking at the 10th-anniversary celebration, Dr. Pham Thi Cam Hung (MD, PhD), Vice Rector of HMTU, highlighted the strategic roadmap: “The University will continue developing a doctoral-level teaching team and expanding specialized faculty; converting the University Hospital into our primary clinical practice base; and integrating digital technology and AI into OT education and intervention. We will also maintain regular curriculum reviews to ensure WFOT standards for the next period, strengthen international cooperation, and build tight connections with recruiting partners.” Reaffirming MCNV’s commitment, Mr. Pham Dung (MD, MPH), Chief of MCNV Representative Office in Vietnam, stated: “Collaborating to improve training quality in rehabilitation in general and OT in particular has been and will continue to be a key priority of MCNV in the coming period.” Formal Occupational Therapy Education in Vietnam was kick started in 2016 through the joint efforts of MCNV, HMTU, and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, under a project funded by the U.S. Government through Humanity & Inclusion Vietnam (2016–2022). Since 2023, capacity-building activities for OT […]

Dear donor, We are happy to share the news that MCNV has launched a new program in Quang Tri, Vietnam: the PRO-POOR project. Together with local partners, we will support impoverished women from ethnic minority groups in building stronger, more sustainable livelihoods. The first 50 women have already been selected. Through the program, women gain access to agricultural knowledge, seeds, livestock, and start-up capital. They also learn how to market their products more effectively and build a more stable income. At the same time, we focus on healthy nutrition for women and young children. Our goal is ambitious: for 300 women to increase their income by at least 20%, for families to have access to more varied food, and for food shortages during the lean season to be reduced. We also aim to ensure that 90% of young children have access to nutritious school meals. Around 1,000 family members will benefit directly. We love continuing the work we excel at! MCNV has been working in Quang Tri since 1968 to improve livelihoods, nutrition, and sustainable development. With PRO-POOR, we are building on that wealth of experience and on initiatives that have already proven successful in collaboration with local communities. Thanks to your commitment, we can help vulnerable women and their families become more self-reliant and resilient, step by step. Thank you very much for your support! Best regards from Dong Ha, Nguyen Thanh Tung                            Nguyen Thi Lan Phuong Program Coordinator                          Financial Manager