Hanoi, Viet Nam – The Viet Nam National Steering Committee for Antimicrobial Resistance and its partner international organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) called for accelerated and better coordinated actions from all sectors in the country in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). 

Over 300 people showed up and expressed support during a public advocacy event held on 21 November 2019, at Bach Mai Hospital, in celebration of the World Antibiotic Awareness Week. Among them were medical practitioners, pharmacists, farmers, veterinarians, representatives from the food and agriculture industry, academic institutions, the media, the public and other stakeholders. This annual event brought together leaders from many sectors to call for collective action to combat AMR.

“AMR is an ever-present threat to public health security in Viet Nam. We remain committed to work with all sectors to raise awareness about the seriousness of AMR,” Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Truong Son, Vice Minister of Health, said. “We also urge everyone – health professionals, farmers, our friends from the agriculture sector, patients, the media, policy makers, and of course, the public – to do their part and help stop the overuse and misuse of antibiotics,“ he continued.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) have started to review their National Action Plans on AMR, to ensure inter-sectoral coordination in developing the new action plans next year. In recognition of Viet Nam’s progress in tackling AMR, Dr Kidong Park, WHO Representative in Viet Nam, and Dr Albert T. Lieberg, FAO Representative in Viet Nam have pledged their continued support.

“In the coming years, WHO will focus on reinforcing the roles of health professionals in the fight against overuse and misuse of antibiotics. We welcome the Viet Nam Medical Association (VMA) as our new partner to educate and promote appropriate antibiotic use among doctors and pharmacists,” said Dr Park. WHO and VMA have released a joint statement to affirm their commitment to working together in the AMR front during the event.

Dr Lieberg emphasized that “antibiotics are not always the answer for all infectious diseases in animals, therefore it is important that farmers, drug sellers and even veterinarian are better aware of the risks caused by AMR and only use antibiotics responsibly, not only to protect animal and human health but also to ensure the effectiveness of antimicrobials as a remedy for animal diseases.” He further reiterated that it is possible to produce healthy and productive livestock by applying good husbandry practices, effective biosecurity and good vaccination plan.

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For further information, please contact: Ms Le Kim Dung Expert of Pharmaceutical Management – Inspection Department Viet Nam Medical Services Administration Ministry of Health Tel: 024-6273-2152 Email: [email protected]

Ms Le Hue Deputy Head of Animal Drug Management Division Department of Animal Health Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Tel: + 912.177264 Email: [email protected]

Ms Nguyen Thuy Hang Advocacy and Communications Coordinator Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Viet Nam Tel: 024-3850-1829 Email: [email protected]

Ms Tran Thi Loan WHO Media Focal Person World Health Organization Viet Nam Country Office Tel: 84-4-38500100 Email: [email protected]

Further resources and information:
http://www.who.int/campaigns/world-antibiotic-awareness-week/en/
http://www.fao.org/antimicrobial-resistance/resources/publications-archive/en/