Neonatal health — care for newborns within the first 28 days of life — is a critical determinant of survival and long-term wellbeing.
Despite global progress in healthcare, 2.4 million newborns died in their first month in 2020, with the vast majority of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Most neonatal mortality is linked to inadequate care at birth and insufficient immediate postnatal treatment, highlighting a pressing need for high-quality, accessible healthcare solutions.
A group of 19 participants from Vietnam, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore, representing various sectors including business and government, came together through the Asia Young Leaders Programme (AYLP). The programme immersed participants in cross-sector collaboration and on-the-ground research to address critical regional challenges.
Within this framework, participants focused on Medical Technology Transfer Services (MTTS), a Vietnam-based company that manufactures and distributes affordable, durable, and context-appropriate medical equipment for neonatal intensive care units. MTTS’ products target the leading causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity and are currently present in 65 countries worldwide. However, the company faces challenges in sustaining and scaling its global footprint beyond Vietnam.
This report, developed by the AYLP participants, evaluates MTTS’ current operations, market presence, and scalability challenges. The research included site visits and consultations with hospitals, communities, businesses, and government stakeholders. Based on these insights, the report recommends a strategic expansion plan:
- Strengthening partnerships with NGOs and distributors to amplify market reach
- Establishing the Mong Foundation as a dedicated research arm for neonatal innovation
- Setting up regional offices in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa.
By implementing this model, MTTS can enhance both financial sustainability and social impact, ensuring equitable access to high-quality neonatal care. Over the next decade, the proposed strategy could improve the treatment of 5 million infants, further solidifying MTTS’ role as a global leader in advancing neonatal health.