We, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative Office in Viet Nam and Viet Nam Medical Association (VMA), recognize the critical role played by health professionals in the challenging fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As such, we affirm our commitment to working together to unite health professionals all over the country, bringing them with us to combat this serious public health threat.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an ever-present threat to the achievement of universal health coverage (UHC) and health-related targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the security of populations. AMR is a natural process accelerated by human activity and practices, such as the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials, the spread and transmission of resistance and infections, and the contamination of the environment. Everyone is at risk of being affected by AMR. Everyone also contributes directly or indirectly to its development and emergence.
The Framework for Accelerating Action to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance in the Western Pacific Region, endorsed by the Member States in Manilla on 10 October 2019 during the 70th session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, embraces the need to establish professional alliances by linking WHO and government efforts with those of professional associations to call on doctors, pharmacists and nurses to stand up and act against the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials.
The Objective of this Joint Statement is to highlight areas where WHO and VMA believe that joint efforts can be directed to develop and facilitate the implementation of educational and behavioural interventions promoting appropriate antimicrobial prescribing, dispensing and consumption; and raising awareness of AMR in the society. More specifically:
- Encourage medical and pharmacy schools and continuing professional development (CPD) providers to renew their efforts to educate doctors and pharmacists about the appropriate use of antimicrobials and infection prevention practices.
- Communication of information relating to clinical guidelines, recommended treatment options for doctors and guidance on effective antimicrobial stewardship interventions.
- Educate consumers on the proper use of antibiotics such as in campaigns to promote the WHO concept, “use the right antibiotic for the right infection, at the right dose, and with right instructions from doctors and pharmacists”.
- Advocate for “no prescription, no sale” of antibiotics in the private community pharmacy sector.
- Organize a national science conference on AMR in 2020; and other national educational events to disseminate knowledge and provide a forum for clinicians to share experiences and innovative approaches on antimicrobial stewardship.
Together, we commit to advancing the “Call to Action on Antimicrobial Resistance”.