The World Health Organisation has now declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. Meanwhile in Vietnam the confirmed cases is growing every day and the government is carrying out every mean they can to help contain the spread of the virus and protect the health of the community.

Given the concern over the spread of COVID-19, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research decided to delay our studies program in all over the country, including VCAPS to ensure staff safety and avoid bias for the study. While VCAPS 3 will still continue to provide quality and on-going treatment for patients with more online monitoring activities, VCAPS 4 will be delayed until the situation becomes better.

The delay might affect the timeline of the study, however, we consider this as an opportunity to strengthen the system for VCAPS 4. The data management system and all other materials are being tested carefully to ensure that the study will process efficiently when we start. At the same time, VCAPS staff is developing manuscripts using data of VCAPS 1, 2 and 3.

We wish that the pandemic will be controlled well soon, and VCAPS study will start at the earliest time.