Engaging Viet Nam in the global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance using One Health approach

Engaging Viet Nam in the global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance using One Health approach

Antimicrobials are widely used in livestock, aquaculture and plant production for both treatment and non-therapeutic purposes. While antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a natural phenomenon, its negative impacts can be magnified by inappropriate and excessive use of antimicrobials.

On 27 February 2018, 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. As a global project funded by the Fleming funds, government of United Kingdom, it 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 a multi-sectoral One Health approach in which all relevant sectors need to participate and coordinate action to combat AMR. He also called forbetter 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.

Vice Minister Vu Van Tam opened the inception workshop

“Using One Health approach, FAO has worked with MARD and other ministries, World Health Organization(WHO) and other 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 Plan on AMR” stated by Pawin Padungtod, ECTAD Senior Technical Coordinator.

Mr. Pawin Padungtod, FAO-ECTAD Senior Technical Coordinator, presented at the workshop

President-Board at the workshop

Along with sharing project details and discussing synergy with other partners,the event shared update on MARD collaboration with FAO on AMR including the survey findings on Knowledge, Attitude and Practices related to antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in livestock and aquaculture, the AMR pilot surveillance in pork and chicken, and the field tools to implement and monitor good farming practices.