A Nobel laureate and Medicine professor delivered a public lecture at Van Lang University.

On July 23, 2022, Van Lang University collaborated with Professor Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, a Nobel laureate in Medicine and Physiology in 2008, to deliver a public lecture on the topic "Lessons from HIV/AIDS: Strengths and Weaknesses in Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic." The event attracted the participation of nearly 400 faculty members, lecturers, and students present at the N2T1 auditorium, the main campus of Van Lang University, as well as over 1,000 individuals who followed the livestream online.

Professor Françoise Barré-Sinoussi is renowned as the first scientist to discover the HIV virus and has made significant contributions to the global research and treatment of HIV/AIDS. In the realm of academic exchange, a close collaboration exists between the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City and the Pasteur Institute in Paris, where the professor is affiliated. Over the years, Professor Françoise Barré-Sinoussi has visited Vietnam on numerous occasions, guiding the work of scientists at the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City and other research institutions, all aimed at achieving common benefits for humanity. 

Thanks to Associate Professor Dr. Truong Xuan Lien, a lecturer of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Van Lang University and former Deputy Director of the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, who has been awarded of the “National Order of the Legion of Honor” by the French Republic for her contributions to the field of medicine, Van Lang University's Faculty of Pharmacy established a connection with Professor Françoise Barré-Sinoussi to deliver a public lecture on the topic "Lessons from HIV/AIDS: Strengths and Weaknesses in Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic." The lecture garnered public attention due to its practical relevance and its close association with the pressing issues of the post-COVID-19 society. The event was honored by the presence of Doctor Vo Thi Tuyet Nhung (MSc.), Deputy Director of the Health Advancement in Vietnam (HAIVN), and Ms. Ngo Y Sa, a community support interpreter from Van Lang University, who facilitated the connection with Professor Barré-Sinoussi. 

With a research journey closely intertwined with the disease of the century, Professor Françoise Barré-Sinoussi has summarized the global scientific process of discovery, identification, explanation, and in-depth research on HIV, with four important milestones in an incessant experimental quest to find solutions for treating HIV/AIDS. Within the context of the lecture, Professor Françoise Barré-Sinoussi highlighted the similarities in the developmental process between HIV/AIDS and SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, when comparing the data between the two diseases, it can be observed that these two viruses have different mortality rates. HIV/AIDS exhibits a much higher mutation rate compared to SARS-CoV-2. While SARS-CoV-2 infections tend to be more acute, there are still cases with prolonged durations. Building upon the advances in basic science, technology, and existing network collaborations, the rapid pace of research progress on SARS-CoV-2 also demonstrates several positive aspects as humanity has reached Phase 3 - vaccine development for SARS-CoV-2 in just two years. 

With the perspective of an HIV/AIDS researcher, Professor Barré-Sinoussi has summarized and shared 10 valuable lessons for SARS-CoV-2 prevention with the attendees, spreading the message of inheriting the achievements of basic science, international solidarity, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge to find answers for human health. Professor Françoise Barré-Sinoussi states that the connection and coordination among organizations and nations in disease prevention are of utmost importance. From the COVID-19 pandemic, we learn the lesson of global solidarity, community responsibility, and the implementation of the message "Leave no one behind." It is evident that international collaborations and intergovernmental funding have achieved significant accomplishments, with the CoVax initiative notably facilitating faster access to vaccines worldwide. As of 2022, global vaccine coverage has reached 70%, which is an encouraging figure.

On the other hand, the professor also highlighted the aspects that need attention and promotion to improve the current COVID-19 prevention while continuing research and decoding serious diseases, avoiding the situation of "neglecting" other urgent issues in society. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the accessibility of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) to 8.8% of people living with HIV/AIDS. However, at the same time, the rate of HIV screening access in 2002 has decreased by 22% compared to 2019. This leads to delays in detecting new cases in the future.

The public lecture has provided valuable learning opportunities for students in the health-related fields at Van Lang University, as well as the passionate scientific community in general. Meeting and exchanging ideas with a Nobel laureate scientist has added inspiration and motivation for Van Lang University on the path of academic collaboration, expanding influence, and striving to become a research-oriented university that brings positive value to the community and society. 

Xem thêm:

• Đài Truyền hình TP. Hồ Chí Minh: Giáo sư Nobel Y học Françoise Barré-Sinoussi và bài giảng đại chúng tại Trường Đại học Văn Lang
• Báo Người Lao động: Những bài học ứng phó đại dịch Covid-19 từ việc điều trị HIV/AIDS
• Báo Lao động: GS đạt giải Nobel Y học giảng bài về tương đồng giữa HIV/AIDS và SARS-CoV-2
• Nhịp sống online: Bài học từ HIV/AIDS: Điểm mạnh và điểm yếu trong ứng phó vơi đại dịch COVID-19

News: Hoai Anh
Photo: Nhat Huy - Tin Nguyen