Between 2024 and 2025, Vietnam officially recognized five Angels Regions: An Giang, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh 1, Hanoi 1, and Can Tho — marking a milestone in building comprehensive and sustainable stroke care systems in Asia. Each region integrates hospital networks, pre-hospital emergency services, and community awareness programs, meeting rigorous Angels Initiative criteria: a network of stroke-ready hospitals, RES-Q data participation, WSO Gold or higher awards, certified EMS systems, and community education scaled to stroke incidence.
Hanoi 1 Region – Strengthening Pre-Hospital Emergency Care
Hanoi is making strong progress in developing its pre-hospital emergency network, backed by the commitment of the Department of Health and the active participation of local hospitals. The region now has five hospitals recognized with WSO Angels Awards, including Bach Mai Hospital, which ranks among the top four hospitals worldwide for the highest number of Diamond Awards. Meanwhile, the Hanoi 115 Emergency Center achieved the Gold EMS Angels Award, expanded its satellite stations, and strengthened coordination with hospitals to ensure timely patient transfers and faster emergency response. Despite challenges such as traffic congestion and limited public awareness, Hanoi continues to advance community training programs and outreach activities to improve stroke recognition and response at the grassroots level.
Da Nang Region – National Model in EMS Stroke Care
Da Nang’s 115 Emergency Center handled nearly 400 free stroke transports in 2024, earning five consecutive Diamond EMS Angels Awards. With three WSO-certified stroke units and public campaigns reaching over 1,400 participants, the city has set a benchmark in hospital–EMS coordination and stroke awareness, making it one of ASKAN’s first certified Angels Regions.
Ho Chi Minh 1 Region – Scaling Quality Across a Megacity
Ho Chi Minh City boasts seven WSO-certified hospitals (3 Diamond, 1 Platinum, 3 Gold) and 53 satellite EMS stations, achieving two Diamond EMS Awards. Results include 29% more treated cases, onset-to-door time cut to 344 minutes, and late arrivals reduced to 7%. Public campaigns such as “Stroke: Understand to Prevent Disability” attracted over 1,000 participants and strong online engagement.
Can Tho Region – Community Engagement and Local Innovation
Can Tho leads the Mekong Delta in stroke care, with three WSO-certified hospitals (2 Diamond, 1 Gold). Despite challenges in implementing the FAST Hero program, hospitals launched alternative outreach initiatives. Training reached over 1,000 medical students, 4,000 runners, and 800 community members, spreading stroke awareness using the FAST method and fostering a stronger community-based response.
An Giang Region – Grassroots EMS and Volunteerism
An Giang stands out with four WSO-certified hospitals (2 Diamond, 1 Platinum, 1 Gold) and a 200-ambulance volunteer network managed by the Red Cross — the largest in Vietnam. With Angels’ guidance, volunteer drivers were trained in FAST recognition and emergency coordination, enabling the province to earn a Gold EMS Angels Award and establish a sustainable, community-led EMS model.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s Angels Regions represent a holistic approach to stroke care — combining hospital excellence, rapid EMS coordination, and public education. These pioneering models are setting new regional standards for integrated, sustainable stroke systems across the ROPU ASKAN area and beyond.
