Raising awareness of antibiotic resistance in Vietnam

This collaboration highlights the importance of collective responsibility in combating AMR, from policymakers and health professionals to the general public. By raising awareness and changing drug use behaviors, the campaign aims to protect the effectiveness of antibiotics and contribute to building a healthier, more resilient Vietnam.

The signing ceremony was attended by representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Swiss Embassy, along with many health experts and representatives of the press.

Sandoz Vietnam aims to empower patients, families and healthcare professionals to protect the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.

According to Mr. Charaf Eddine Kadri, General Director of Sandoz Vietnam: “The signing ceremony is an important step forward in our shared mission to combat antibiotic resistance, a silent but increasingly serious threat to public health in Vietnam and around the world. Through our partnership with VMA, we aim to empower patients, families and healthcare professionals to work together to protect the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations."

The signing ceremony marks a new milestone in Sandoz Vietnam’s ongoing journey to support the National Strategy on Antibiotic Resistance in Vietnam 2023 – 2030, emphasizing the “One Health” approach and cross-sectoral collaboration to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use, raise awareness and protect public health.

According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), from 2020 to 2023, Vietnam will have nearly 300,000 deaths due to antibiotic resistance2, showing the urgency of action to prevent AMR at both the national and community levels.

The signing ceremony was held in Hanoi on November 18.

At the end of 2024, Sandoz Vietnam launched the Community Program on Antibiotic Resistance Prevention and Control with the theme "Right dose of antibiotics - Enough love for the home". The program will be implemented for 5 years, from 2024 to 2028 and is the first program of its kind initiated by a pharmaceutical company in Vietnam, with the cooperation of the Ho Chi Minh City Pharmacy Association and many medical partners.

To date, the program has reached millions of people nationwide through outdoor propaganda screens, information booths at hospitals, digital media channels, with the participation of healthcare professionals and the public on the topic of responsible antibiotic use.

This year’s campaign, implemented in partnership with VMA, will continue to build on previous efforts through extensive education, public events and greater community engagement. The initiative aims to make antibiotic awareness and AMR prevention more accessible, understandable and actionable for Vietnamese families.

Mr. Thomas Gass, Ambassador of Switzerland to Vietnam, emphasized: “Antibiotic resistance is a security threat, an economic and development challenge. Switzerland is committed to playing a direct and sustainable role in the global fight against AMR through initiatives such as the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP), the Global AMR R&D Hub, the Quadrilateral Secretariat on AMR (WHO, FAO, WOAH, UNEP) and the Multi-Partner Trust Fund on AMR. In addition, Switzerland also contributes through the private sector, including companies like Sandoz, which are playing an important role and creating a practical impact on a global scale."

Under the partnership agreement, Sandoz Vietnam will provide funding and support to organize and implement the program in compliance with legal requirements and regulations, lead the implementation and use of internal and external communication channels to convey the campaign message. The agreement covers all campaign activities – from logistics, communications to community engagement – demonstrating Sandoz’s long-term commitment to promoting Vietnam’s healthcare priorities through education and awareness raising.

VMA will be responsible for providing professional advice, evaluating and sponsoring the content of the program, including all educational and propaganda materials. The General Association will also coordinate the implementation of the program at medical facilities and public places, and support the communication campaign on the official channels of the General Association.

Nguyen Duc

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/tin-tuc/nang-cao-nhan-thuc-ve-de-khang-khang-sinh-tai-viet-nam/20251118032733504