Amid the continuing environmental pollution in Vietnam, particularly air pollution, pollution from agricultural chemicals and open burning of agricultural waste, numerous serious risks are posing threats to public health, ecosystems and biodiversity. In light of this reality, the need to strengthen cooperation in research, risk assessment, early warning and communication about environmental and health risks is becoming increasingly urgent.
Arising from this practical requirement, VACNE and its partners have established the Environmental Health Network, aimed at connecting scientists, experts, research institutions and organisations operating in the fields of environment and health. The Network's goal is to establish a multidisciplinary cooperation mechanism to enhance research capacity, risk assessment and early warning; while also promoting the sharing of data, information and knowledge for research, application and management support, contributing to public health protection and towards sustainable development.

The network was launched in the presence of VACNE leaders and representatives
of GAHP and DEFRA

Speaking at the launch event, Dr Nguyen Ngoc Sinh, chairman of VACNE, stated that the establishment of the Environmental Health Network is an important step to connect scientists and interdisciplinary experts, enhancing research capacity and policy advisory. The network is expected to contribute to providing reliable scientific foundations for environmental management and public health protection in the context of increasing environmental risks.

The network, led by VACNE, plays a role in connecting the community of experts and coordinating scientific and technical activities to support research, risk assessment and early warning in the field of environmental health. The network's activities are implemented through specialist groups including: the Toxicology, Environment and Climate Change Group; the Environmental Health Group; the Policy and Standards Group; the Data and Modelling Group; and the Training and Communication Group.

Prof. Dr. NGND Đặng Kim Chi, Vice President of VACNE, spoke at the launch
of the Environmental Health Network

The Chairperson of the Environmental Health Network is Professor Dr Dang Kim Chi, Vice President of VACNE. She is a leading expert in the field of environmental science and technology, particularly in pollution control, environmental management and addressing environmental issues in traditional craft villages in Vietnam, with many years of experience in research, environmental impact assessment and proposing technological solutions for sustainable development.

Assisting the Chair is the Network Secretariat, comprising experts from various fields such as environmental toxicology, chemical and hazardous waste management, environmental health, climate change, biodiversity, modelling – remote sensing – GIS, data and environmental policy. Members come from research institutions, universities, and professional organisations across the North, Central, and South regions.

The scope and field of the Network's activities are expected to be implemented nationwide, prioritising areas with high risk and pollution 'hotspots' such as large cities, industrial zones and clusters, craft villages, river basins, mining and metallurgical areas, intensive agricultural regions, coastal and estuarine areas, as well as regions severely affected by climate change and extreme weather. The field of activity covers groups of toxic substances and environmental and climate agents that have negative impacts on health, including industrial chemicals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals, pesticides, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, emerging pollutants and biological, physical and extreme climate factors.

The field of activity covers toxic substances and environmental and climate agents that have negative impacts on health, such as industrial chemicals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals, pesticides, endocrine-disrupting substances, emerging pollutants, and biological, physical, and extreme climate factors. Research is approached through major exposure pathways such as air, water, soil, sediments, food, consumer products, and occupational environments, with priority given to vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, workers in high-risk occupations, and communities living near emission sources.

As of its launch, the Network has attracted over 70 experts and organisations operating in the fields of environment, climate change, toxicology/chemistry, health/medical, biodiversity, modelling/GIS/remote sensing/data, and environmental policy.

In the coming period, VACNE expects to continue attracting more experts and organisations to join the Network, thereby developing the Environmental Health Network into an important scientific-practical platform, contributing to bridging the gap between research, policy and action in the context of increasing environmental pollution and health risks in Vietnam.