The standard of health care in Vietnam is sufficient in the major cities for treating minor injuries, but more complicated treatment may require evacuation to a third country. Malaria, Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever are common in many areas of Vietnam.  In 2007 there was a marked increase, from the already high figures of 2006, in the number of reported cases of Dengue...

Southern regions of the country have had particularly high levels of infection.

Since 2004, cases of Meningitis (mostly affecting young people under the age of 15) have increased in Vietnam and in 2006 there was an increase in cases of Rubella (which is particularly dangerous if contracted by pregnant women).

Poor sanitation and eating contaminated food can increase the risk of cholera, typhoid and other diseases. In November and December 2007, a cholera outbreak was reported in Vietnam. Between January and June 2008 cases of cholera were reported throughout Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and most recently in several districts in Bac Ninh Province.  Do not drink tap water or water that is not bottled and sealed.  Wherever possible, bottled water should be bought from reputable sources.  Hygiene standards in restaurants vary.  Beware of food from streetside vendors, which might be contaminated.   If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Vietnam you should seek immediate medical attention.

In the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 250,000 adults aged 15 or over in Vietnam were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.5% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.