ABSTRACT
Since 2000, the authors have been conducting technical cooperation on nosocomial infection control at Bach Mai Hospital (BMH) in Vietnam, which is the first trial in the country. The main contents include: (1) Consolidation of the bases of nosocomial infection control at BMH, which include setting up the appropriate control system and providing training for hospital staff, (2) Cooperation in the SARS outbreak, (3) Fact-finding survey on nosocomial infection, and (4) Preparation against avian influenza at hospitals. As a result of these activities, nosocomial infection control at BMH has been enhanced and the staff is providing technical guidance to other hospitals in recent years with the aim to disseminate skills and knowledge widely in Vietnam. The questionnaire survey on preparedness against SARS, including awareness among staff, training situation, infection control system in hospital, etc., showed comparatively good results in Vietnamese hospitals. The present paper summarizes the collaboration on nosocomial infection control between Vietnam and Japan.<br>Nosocomial infection control is considered essential to upgrade the quality of medical care. Also, constant efforts to upgrade the skills and knowledge of medical staff and to set up an efficient infection control system will be useful in dealing with the potential risk of resurgence of SARS or human influenza pandemic. Nosocomial infection control is one of the most appropriate subjects for technical cooperation at hospitals in developing countries.