The Smithsonian Institution’s “Outbreak: Epidemics in a Connected World” Exhibition was officially held on December 7, with the attendance of US Ambassador Daniel J. Kritenbrink, Prof. Dr. Tran Van Thuan, Deputy Minister of Health, and Dr. Ta Thanh Van, President of the Hanoi Medical University.

Young visitors attend the exhibition on December 7 in Hanoi. Photo: USAID

Being opened at the Hanoi Medical University, the exhibition is a customizable “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) version of a larger display at the US National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC.

The exhibition highlighted how pathogens can spread to people from wildlife and livestock, why some outbreaks become epidemics and how human, animal and environmental health are connected as “One Health.”  “Outbreak DIY” includes pre-designed and template panels. 

The exhibition covers topics such as Tuberculosis and Covid-19, which will last until December 14.  

“This Outbreak exhibit marks the 25th anniversary of collaboration between our countries, and reminds us how the US, Vietnam, and all countries of the world must work together to meet the continuing challenge of infectious diseases,” Ambassador Kritenbrink said.

“Vietnam has risen to this challenge in stopping the spread of Covid-19, but we will certainly face new outbreak threats in the future. The US will continue to stand together with Vietnam in meeting the challenge.”   

Works are being displayed at the exhibition. Photo: USAID

More than 100 venues in over 30 countries have displayed “Outbreak DIY,” including universities, libraries, hospitals, airports, embassies, community centers and museums. It is available in multiple languages, including Vietnamese, French, Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese. 

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History is one of the most-visited natural history museums in the world. “Outbreak” opened at the museum on May 18, 2018, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the influenza pandemic in 1918. It will run until 2021.  

Many visitors attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition on December 7. Photo: USAID