On 14 March 2017, nearly 40 experts in respiratory diseases from Australia and Vietnam gathered at the National Lung hospital to participate in the inaugural meeting of V-CAPS study.

In this meeting, Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Viet Nhung - Director of National Lung Hospital presented COPD situation in Vietnam, supplemented by a detailed presentation of Assoc. Prof. Vu Van Giap from Bach Mai Hospital on previous studies and current activities re COPD diagnosis and treatment. The presentation on smoking control activities of Dr. Phan Thi Hai from VINCACOSH raised many questions for the discussions on how to improve the smoking situation in Vietnam. Prof. Guy Marks and Dr. Greg Fox presented the introduction of the study, its objectives and work packages. They emphasized the study approach and opened an exciting conversation of how we can use this study to make positive changes in COPD diagnosis and treatment, and reduce smoking prevalence in Vietnam.

Dr. Ninh Van Hoa, the Director of the Center on Social Disease in Ca Mau showed his commitment: "This is a very new and interesting study. Ca Mau is very eager to participate in this study. Our center commit to collaborate with the study whenever we have a detailed action plan".