Working together to combat antibiotic resistance

12/11/2018

Viet Nam, once again confirms its strong commitment in the global initiative to combat antibiotic resistance, as the country holds various activities to celebrate the fourth World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) from 12 to 18 November 2018.

The National Steering Committee for Antibiotic Resistance, is joining forces with the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative Office in Viet Nam, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and other One Health partners to call on doctors, pharmacists, health workers, farmers, veterinarians, the food and agriculture industry, the academe and the general public to “Handle Antibiotics with Care”. Since their discovery, antibiotics have served as the cornerstone of modern medicine. However, the persistent overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human and animal have encouraged the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance (AMR), which occurs when microbes, such as bacteria, become resistant to the drugs used to treat them.

To step up efforts to educate future doctors, pharmacists, veterinarians and health care workers on AMR, a series of workshops at several universities have been organized from 13-16 November. With the same goal, a workshop aiming to promote awareness on antibiotics use in livestock production and aquaculture industries is scheduled on 17 November.

“We recognize that the fight against antibiotic resistance is everyone’s business. This is why we actively engage all relevant sectors and industries, and of course, the general public. The important work, however, does not stop after the WAAW. Addressing AMR is a priority area in Viet Nam, with support from our partners, we will continue to accelerate our efforts until everyone not only stop overusing and misusing antibiotics, but also are informed enough to help us spread the word,” said Dr Nguyen Viet Tien, Vice-Minister of Health and Chair of the National Steering Committee for Antibiotic Resistance in Viet Nam.

Scaling up actions against AMR: the way forward

“Viet Nam is one of the few countries in the Region with bolstered mechanisms in place to manage AMR. The implementation of its national action plan has legislative backing. The country takes full ownership of and responsibility in addressing the issue as seen by the government’s strong political commitment. And the harmonious working relationships among the multiple sectors involved catalyzes progress on the AMR battle front,” jointly stated by Dr Kidong Park, WHO Representative in Viet Nam, Dr Albert Lieberg, FAO Representative in Viet Nam, and Dr Hirofumi Kugita, OIE Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific.

Viet Nam is set to review its National Action Plan on AMR 2013 – 2020 at the end of the year. Discussions on the development of the next action plan are already taking place among leaders of the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) with ongoing support from WHO, FAO, OIE and other development partners working in the country.

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For further information, please contact:

Ms Le Kim Dung

Pharmaceutical Management Expert

Viet Nam Medical Services Administration

Ministry of Health

Tel: 024-6273-2152

Email: [email protected]

Dr. Nguyen Tung

Head of International Cooperation and Communications

Department of Animal Health

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development