Breaking Barriers: Genetic Disease Battles and Family Triumphs in Vietnam

In recent years, several families in Vietnam have faced challenges with genetic diseases that have affected their children. One such family is that of Ms. Hue and Mr. Chu, who have two children diagnosed with congenital muscular dystrophy.

Ms. Hue, 37 years old, and Mr. Chu The Ky, 41 years old, have been through a decade of searching for answers without success. They took their children to numerous doctors but no illness was detected. Initially, Ms. Hue attributed it to being sick during pregnancy. However, the couple was devastated when their second child also showed the same symptoms as their first child.

Over time, the family’s financial situation worsened as they struggled to pay for medical bills and support their four adults in the household. Mr. Ky is the main breadwinner and finances are tight. Despite this, they persevered and applied for financial assistance for in vitro fertilization (IVF) at the Post Office Hospital in early 2022.

To their luck, they were selected and underwent genetic testing which revealed that both parents carried the genetic disease gene for congenital muscular dystrophy. With Dr Nguyen Thi Nha’s help, they proceeded with IVF combined with pre-implantation genetic screening and were able to conceive a healthy baby boy in June 2023.

In a similar but separate case, Mr Thinh (30 years old) and Ms Nga (27 years old) wanted to have a child despite both being carriers of the Thalassemia gene.

After seeking advice from Dr Vuong Vu Viet Ha, they underwent IVF and pre-implantation genetic screening resulting in the birth of a healthy daughter in June 2021.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health