Abbott Vietnam integrates virtual reality technology into voluntary blood donation

Humane solutions for public health

At the event, blood donors experienced integrated virtual reality through transparent glasses, allowing them to relax during the blood donation process while ensuring that medical professionals could continuously monitor the situation and interact with the donor.

This is an initiative jointly developed by Abbott and Blood Centers of America (BCA) - the largest blood supply network in the United States, and has been introduced in Abbott's voluntary blood donation program in Vietnam in 2024. This year, the experience is upgraded with two options: relax with music and plant trees in a digital garden, or participate in a game to build a robot team to explore the universe.

Ms. Doan Thi Thanh Thuy, an employee of Abbott Vietnam, said this was her first time donning blood. Just a few minutes after wearing the virtual reality glasses, her anxiety seemed to disappear. “I felt like I was ‘traveling’ into a vivid virtual world . The seemingly stressful experience of donating blood became much lighter and more pleasant,” she shared.

Huynh Chuc Phuong, a student at Saigon University, said: “The seed-planting game with its lively atmosphere and cheerful music helped me forget my anxiety, while I could still hear the instructions of the medical staff. The blood donation process was very smooth and quick, I didn’t even realize it was over.”

Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong Trang, Blood Transfusion Center, Viet Duc Friendship Hospital shared: “I think blood donation combined with virtual reality technology application is a very good activity. This is a very good combination to encourage more people to donate blood, especially those who are still hesitant about donating blood or those who are participating for the first time.”

According to statistics, in 2024, the whole country received more than 1.7 million units of blood, an increase of 7.4 times compared to 2000. Of which, 98% of blood sources came from voluntary donors.

Abbott’s initiative promises to help attract the community, especially young people, to donate blood regularly, helping to ensure blood supply for emergency and treatment purposes. In the near future, this initiative is expected to be introduced at blood transfusion centers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, creating conditions for many people to access and experience.

30 years accompanying Vietnam

Applying technology to promote voluntary blood donation not only demonstrates the spirit of innovation for the community, but also demonstrates Abbott's 30-year journey of accompanying the health of Vietnamese people.

Present in Vietnam since 1995, Abbott has invested more than VND280 billion through programs to improve nutrition, support chronic disease treatment, provide professional training for medical staff and raise public awareness. These efforts contribute to the sustainable development of the healthcare system, bringing practical benefits to millions of people.

Specifically, Abbott has been cooperating with partners such as the Vietnam Pediatric Association to implement nutritional screening, assessment and intervention programs, contributing to the goal of reducing the rate of stunted children in the national nutrition strategy for the period 2021-2030.

From 2006 to 2024, Abbott, in collaboration with the Crossroads Humanitarian Organization and Americares, improved nutrition for more than 2,000 children each year in areas with high rates of malnutrition, through training activities, providing food production equipment, medical diagnostic tools, educational materials, and PediaSure medical nutritional foods.

Abbott has also worked with the Vietnam Women's Union for more than a decade to implement health care, nutrition and medical education programs for women nationwide, contributing to improving the quality of life for millions of families.

Since 2005, the company has provided medicines, medical equipment and nutritional products for epidemic prevention and natural disaster response activities in Vietnam. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Abbott supported medical teams in the biggest hotspots with millions of Ensure products, rapid testing equipment and protective equipment for doctors and nurses at frontline hospitals.

Mr. Douglas Kuo, Vice President and General Director of Abbott Vietnam shared on the occasion of Abbott's 30th anniversary of operations in Vietnam: "We are committed to improving the quality of healthcare through technology and innovation to create a healthier and more sustainable future for the people of Vietnam."

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/abbott-viet-nam-dua-cong-nghe-thuc-te-ao-tich-hop-vao-hien-mau-tinh-nguyen-post802861.html