The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and VCAPS team participated in the 24th Congress of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR 2019) in Hanoi, Vietnam from 14th – 17th November 2019.

Prof. Guy Marks and Assoc.Prof Greg Fox chaired different sessions on TB and asthma. Besides, Woolcock team presented with 8 oral presentations in various satellite workshops, in which VCAPS contributed 3 presentations on COPD/asthma and smoking cessation. 2 members of Woolcock got travel award for their excellent presentations. Additionally, 8 scholarships have been granted by VCAPS to local researchers and practitioners having high quality presentations on COPD/asthma treatment to attend this international prestigious program.

3 presentations of VCAPS are:

1. Prevalence of Patient with COPD among people presenting at district hospitals

2. Characterizing smoking behavior among adult patient presenting to health facilities in four provinces of Vietnam

3. Patients' perspective on choice of healthcare facility for the management of COPD

“Sharing updated knowledge and approaches in respiratory medicine” has been chosen as the congress theme for this year which attracts nearly 2000 delegates from around the globe. This congress is a platform for expert speakers who are top practitioners and opinion leaders to exchange their clinical and scientific knowledge on screening and treatment of respiratory related diseases.17 topics related to Respirology which are divided into 03 Plenary Lectures, 7 Pre-Congress Workshops including hands-on sessions such as interventional pulmonology, thoracic ultrasound are covered within the congress program. Dr Ngo Quy Chau, Chairman of Local Organizing Committee believes that APSR 2019 will stimulate debate and shed new light on advances in the field. Meanwhile, this congress provides a great opportunity for networking and experience sharing toward a better practice in respiratory healthcare.