Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) caused close to 270,000 deaths in Vietnam between 2020 and 2023, according to the World Health Organization.

This alarming statistic was revealed at a press conference announcing the launch of a community program on AMR prevention and control in Hanoi on Friday.

The program, spearheaded by Sandoz, a global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Pharmacy Association and healthcare partners, aims to promote the responsible use of antimicrobials in Vietnam. 

Running from 2024 to 2028, the campaign will focus on raising public awareness about AMR through community outreach, digital platforms, hospitals, and media channels.

According to WHO, AMR is the ability of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites to grow in the presence of a drug that would normally kill them or limit their growth. As a result, normal treatments become ineffective. 

In Vietnam, its high rates of AMR were attributed to the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials, the sale of drugs without prescriptions, and inappropriate medical prescribing practices.

Experts at the event elaborated that patients or their caregivers often self-medicate with antibiotics for common illnesses where these drugs are ineffective.

They added that AMR poses a severe public health threat in this Southeast Asian country, making infections harder to treat, increasing mortality rates, and driving up healthcare costs. 

AMR also undermines key medical advancements like surgeries and cancer treatments.

Besides, environmental pollution, including antimicrobial residues in water sources, has worsened AMR, threatening ecosystems and public health nationwide.

Rural and low-income communities will bear the brunt of the overuse of antimicrobials and AMR, widening healthcare disparities.

To cope with this challenge, a series of large-scale educational activities will be launched in 2024 as part of the program.

The program will also include the development of an online platform providing AMR-related in-depth information, infographics, and videos to educate the public on the responsible antimicrobial use.

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