Viet Nam responds to World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week

Under the theme "Educate. Advocate. Act Now", the campaign targets to accelerate efforts to raise awareness and action against the growing threat of AMR.

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial agents. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other medicines become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.

In Viet Nam, AMR has become a significant public health concern. According to a recent AMR surveillance report, high rates of antibiotic resistance have been found in common bacteria, particularly in hospitals. Misuse and overuse of antibiotics in health care and agriculture are major drivers of AMR.

Important steps against AMR

In 2023, Viet Nam approved the new National Strategy on the Prevention of Antimicrobial Resistance for the period 2023-2030, with a vision to 2045. This strategy strengthens coordination among the human health, agriculture and environment, industry and trade sectors including policymakers, health-care providers, industry, farmers and individuals.

National Action Plans for the human health and agriculture sectors have also been approved by the MOH and the Prime Minister, outlining clear targets for awareness and education, surveillance and research, infection prevention and control, optimizing antimicrobial use, and sustainable investments.

Prof. Dr. Tran Van Thuan, Deputy Minister of Health, emphasized that World AMR Awareness Week is a global campaign to promote understanding and action on AMR.

The campaign called for the entire health sector in all provinces and cities to implement the National Strategy on the Prevention of AMR for the period 2023-2030 and the Action Plan for AMR in Health for the 2024-2025 period to protect current and future generations, preserving valuable antibiotics in Vietnam and worldwide.

AMR is one of the top health and development threats globally and to Viet Nam, and it is a priority for WHO's support of Viet Nam. Now, sectors need to educate, advocate policies and act to strengthen implementation to meet the targets of the National Strategy and Action Plan."

"In the health sector, AMR puts many of the gains of modern medicine at risk. It makes infections harder to treat and makes other medical procedures and treatments – such as surgery, caesarean sections and cancer chemotherapy – much riskier.

"AMR is also costly for both health systems and the economy. For example, it creates the need for more expensive and intensive care, affects productivity of patients or their caregivers through prolonged hospital stays, and harms agricultural productivity," Ms Kenney added.

Dr Rémi Nono Womdim FAO Representative in Viet Nam stated that "We are very grateful for the fruitful collaboration between the Government and FAO for the implementation of the Viet Nam National Action Plan on AMR Control in Agriculture for 2021-2025 that is aligned with the FAO Action Plan on AMR 2021-2025, to reduce the prevalence of AMR and preserve the ability to treat infections with effective and safe antimicrobials to sustain food and agriculture production, thereby contributing to the 2030 Agenda".

"Both plans align well in their goals and objectives, with a focus on awareness, surveillance, good practices, responsible use of antimicrobials, and governance. We strongly believe urgent action is needed to prevent a future where common infections become untreatable and food systems become unsustainable".

"There is no time to lose. Let's continue to work together to educate, advocate and act now".

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Head of Mission of the British Embassy, Marcus Winsley, said: "Witnessing the tremendous efforts of the Vietnamese government, including the introduction of the National Strategy, and a series of activities demonstrating strong political and multi-sectoral commitment to AMR prevention and response, I can envision Viet Nam being at the forefront of confronting this rapidly growing global threat. The official launch of the National Action Plan in the human health sector today is a landmark step that will significantly contribute to global AMR mitigation efforts, shaping the health and happiness of future generations"./.