Vietnam

Cardiovascular disease, or heart disease and stroke, remains the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming 18 million lives each year despite the availability of effective, inexpensive and safe prevention and treatment. High blood pressure alone is the world’s leading cause of death, killing 10 million people annually, more than all infectious diseases combined.

Our Research Division generates high-quality evidence to guide important public health decisions. However, knowledge generation is not enough; we also aim to build the institutions required to ensure the impact of our research is sustainable. We are investing in training the researchers of tomorrow; providing technical assistance to overcome roadblocks to increasing research capacity in low- and middle-income countries; and equipping affected communities to understand and participate in the research we conduct.

By 2030, road traffic crashes are projected to become the world's 5th leading cause of death. Among young adults, it is already the main killer. With the right interventions, these tragedies are entirely preventable.

Tobacco could kill a billion people this century. Vital Strategies' Tobacco Control Program has worked in 41 countries to deliver evidence-based campaigns and build local capacity to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco, including e-cigarettes. Our campaigns encourage quitting, delay initiation and support policy goals, such as smoke-free environments and tobacco tax increases.