Raising Awareness On Antibiotic Resistance For Better Health In Viet Nam

Since their discovery, antibiotics have served as the cornerstone of modern medicine. However, the persistent overuse and misuse of antibiotics for humans and animals have encouraged the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance (AMR), which occurs when microbes, such as bacteria, become resistant to the drugs that are used to treat them.

Viet Nam confirmed its strong commitment to the global initiative to combat antibiotic resistance with the fourth World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) from 12 to 18 November 2018. The National Steering Committee for Antibiotic Resistance joined forces with WHO, FAO, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and other One Health partners to call on doctors, pharmacists, health workers, farmers, veterinarians, the food and agriculture industry, academia and the general public to “Handle Antibiotics with Care”.

To step up efforts to educate future doctors, pharmacists, veterinarians and health care workers on AMR, a series of workshops at several universities were organized 13-17 November.

“Participating in the WAAW is a very useful experience to me, I am better aware of the AMR risk at animal-human interface and I am now feeling more confident to pass the message on AMR and responsible use of antibiotics to farmers in Viet Nam” said Ms. Nguyen Tuyet Trinh, a Veterinary student at Nong Lam University of Agriculture and Forestry.

“We recognize that the fight against antibiotic resistance is everyone’s business. The important work, however, does not stop after the WAAW. Addressing AMR is a priority in Viet Nam. With partners, we will continue to accelerate our efforts until everyone not only stops overusing and misusing antibiotics, but also is 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.

“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 and political backing. The harmonious working relationships among involved sectors catalyzes progress on the AMR battle front,” jointly stated Dr. Kidong Park, WHO Representative in Viet Nam, and Dr. Albert Lieberg, FAO Representative in Viet Nam.

Viet Nam is set to review its National Action Plan on AMR 2013-2020, with discussions on the development of the next action plan underway among leaders of the MOH and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and with ongoing support from WHO, FAO, OIE and other development partners.