Hanoi, Viet Nam. The Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), FAO Viet Nam together with the National Institute for Veterinary Research (NIVR) launched the project “Engaging the food and agriculture sectors in sub‐Saharan Africa and South and South‐East Asia in the global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance using a One Health approach” in Ha Noi. This global project aims to reduce AMR emergence and minimize adverse impacts of AMR on food, agriculture and public health sectors. In Viet Nam, the project will contribute to the implementation of the National Action Plan for Management of antibiotic use and Control of antibiotic resistance in Livestock production and Aquaculture (NAP) 2017-2020.  

In the opening remark, Vice Minister Vu Van Tam, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) emphasized the multi-sectoral One Health approach in which all relevant sectors need to participate and actions to be coordinated to combat AMR. He also called for better cooperation, technical and financial assistance from international organizations, research institutes and the private sector to join the efforts in reduction of antimicrobial use and mitigation of AMR threats.

“FAO is working with MARD and other ministries, World Health Organization and development partners to ensure coordination and provide technical assistance to support the execution of the National Action Plan for Management of antibiotic use and Control of antibiotic resistance in Livestock production and Aquaculture. Using One Health approach, the interventions under this project are consistent with both WHO and FAO Global Action Plans on AMR” stated by Pawin Padungtod, ECTAD Senior Technical Coordinator.

Apart from sharing the project details and discussing synergy with other partners, the event shared updates on the collaboration between MARD and FAO on the AMR related activities including the survey findings on Knowledge, Attitude and Practices in relation to antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in livestock and aquaculture, pilot surveillance of AMR in pork and chicken, field tools to implement and monitor good farming practices. This project is funded by the Fleming Funds and government of United Kingdom.