Vietnam Approves National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha signed the prime minister’s Decision 1121/QD-TTg approving the national antimicrobial resistance strategy for the 2023-2030 period, with a vision towards 2045, local media reported.

The strategy came as Vietnam has been among countries facing growing threat of antimicrobial resistance due to the irrational use of antibiotics.

The overall goal of the strategy is to minimize development and spread of antimicrobial resistance and ensure the continued availability of effective antimicrobials.

A report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that there were 296,681 deaths in Vietnam due to antibiotic resistance from 2020 to 2023. In Vietnam, 50% of antibiotics are used inappropriately in hospitals while 88%-97% of pharmacies sell antibiotics without a prescription from a doctor, the WHO added.

Vietnam ranks second among countries in the Western Pacific region and 11th in the world on antibiotic consumption.

(Bao Chinh Phu, HCM CPV, Dai Doan Ket, ANTD, suckhoecong.vn)