Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a severe form of pneumonia. If not treated promptly, SARS can be fatal. In particular, the disease is transmitted rapidly through the respiratory tract, and can form a SARS epidemic if not well controlled.

SARS came to Vietnam through a Chinese businessman named Chun Cheng. From the time this man fell ill, after only 45 days of fighting the epidemic, Vietnam was recognized by WHO as the first country to successfully control SARS, bringing joy to all people in the country as well as around the world.