At the event, blood donors were able to experience integrated virtual reality through a pair of transparent glasses, allowing them to relax during the blood donation process while ensuring that medical professionals could continuously monitor their condition and interact when needed.
This initiative was developed through a collaboration between Abbott and Blood Centers of America (BCA), the largest blood supply network in the United States, and has been introduced in Abbott’s voluntary blood donation program in Vietnam since 2024.
This year, the experience has been enhanced with two options: relaxing with music and gardening in a digital world, or playing a game that involves building a robot team to explore the universe, providing a fun, engaging, and stress-relieving experience.
Ms. Doan Thi Thanh Thuy, an employee of Abbott Vietnam, shared that this was her first time donating blood and she couldn’t help but feel nervous. However, just a few minutes after putting on the VR glasses, her anxiety seemed to melt away. “I felt like I was ‘traveling’ into a vibrant virtual world. The supposedly stressful blood donation experience became much lighter and more comfortable,” she said.
Ms. Doan Thi Thanh Thuy donating blood while wearing integrated VR glasses.
Mr. Nguyen Vinh An, a resident of District 8, Ho Chi Minh City, who has donated blood more than 30 times, found the integrated virtual reality technology fascinating and beneficial. “The gentle music and simulated environment helped divert my attention, making me feel more relaxed and calm. I think this is a great solution for those who want to donate blood but are hesitant due to fear of needles or blood, or those who feel anxious during the process. I will definitely recommend it to my friends to spread the spirit of blood donation and help others overcome their initial fears,” he shared.
Mr. Nguyen Vinh An shared that the integrated virtual reality technology made the blood donation experience more enjoyable.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong Trang, from the Blood Transfusion Center of Viet Duc Hospital, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative: “I think it’s a great idea to combine blood donation with virtual reality technology. I personally found the experience novel and exciting. This integration is an excellent way to encourage more people to donate blood, especially those who are hesitant or first-time donors.”
Since the government launched the voluntary blood donation movement in 2000, it has gained tremendous momentum. In 2024, the country collected over 1.7 million blood units, a 7.4-fold increase compared to 2000. Notably, 98% of the blood supply came from voluntary donors.
Abbott’s initiative holds promise in engaging the community, particularly the youth, in regular blood donation, ensuring a stable blood supply for emergency and treatment purposes. In the coming time, the integrated virtual reality experience for blood donation is expected to be introduced in transfusion centers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, making it accessible to more people.
A 30-Year Journey for the Health of Vietnamese People
The initiative to apply integrated virtual reality technology to promote voluntary blood donation not only demonstrates Abbott’s spirit of innovation for the community but also underscores its 30-year commitment to supporting the health of the Vietnamese people.
Present in Vietnam since 1995, Abbott has invested more than VND 280 billion through programs aimed at improving nutrition, supporting the treatment of chronic diseases, providing medical training, and raising community awareness. These efforts have contributed to the sustainable development of the healthcare system, bringing practical benefits to millions of people.
To combat stunting and improve the stature of Vietnamese children, Abbott has been collaborating with partners such as the Vietnam Pediatric Association to implement nutrition screening, assessment, and intervention programs. These initiatives support the national nutrition strategy for the 2021-2030 period, aiming to reduce the rate of stunted children.
From 2006 to 2024, Abbott partnered with Humanitarian Junction and Americares to improve the nutrition of more than 2,000 children annually in areas with high malnutrition rates. This was achieved through training, providing equipment for food production, medical diagnostic tools, educational materials, and nutritional products like PediaSure.
Abbott has also been working with the Vietnam Women’s Union for over a decade to implement healthcare, nutrition, and health education programs for women nationwide, improving the quality of life for millions of families.
Since 2005, the company has provided medicine, medical equipment, and nutritional products for epidemic and natural disaster prevention in Vietnam. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Abbott supported frontline healthcare workers in the hottest spots with millions of Ensure milk products, rapid test kits, and protective gear.
On the occasion of Abbott’s 30th anniversary in Vietnam, Mr. Douglas Kuo, Vice President and General Manager of Abbott Vietnam, shared: “We are committed to enhancing the quality of healthcare through technology and innovation to build a healthier and more sustainable future for the people of Vietnam.”
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