Sandoz launches inaugural community programme to combat antimicrobial resistance in Vietnam
Xem Tiếng Việt 
Sandoz, the global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines today announced the launch of its inaugural Community Program on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). This program is in support of Vietnam’s National Strategy on the Prevention of Antimicrobial Resistance for 2023–2030 (Decision No. 1121/QĐ-TTg), which aims to call on people to take action against antimicrobial resistance so as to protect themselves, Vietnamese society and future generations.
According to the World Health Organization, there were 296,681 deaths in Vietnam due to antibiotic resistance from 2020 to 2023. Vietnam experiences a high AMR rate due to factors like the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, the sale of antimicrobials without prescriptions, and improper prescribing practices.
“In the simplest of terms, this means patients – or often parents of patients – tend to opt for antibiotics or anti-infective medications for routine illnesses for which they are ineffective,” explained Mr. Charaf Eddine Kadri, General Director of Sandoz Vietnam.
“Purchasing medications without prescription over-the-counter from pharmacies for conditions such as the common cold, and taking these medications ultimately increases the potential patient’s side effect to the treatments, rendering them less effective for diseases which they are originally meant for. This in turn triggers a spiral of having to resort to ever-stronger medications for patients – even children – for relatively simple, treatable conditions.”
Under the theme “Antibiotics: Invisible Threat, Visible Love – Learn how to protect yourself and your family / Kháng sinh đúng liều – Đủ yêu tổ ấm”, the program aims to address a serious global health threat with a significant impact in Vietnam, affecting both public health and the nation’s sustainable healthcare development. Sandoz Vietnam’s campaign will span from 1 November 2024 to 31 December 2028, focusing on broad community engagement and education to encourage responsible antibiotic use.
“In Vietnam, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a severe health risk, making infections harder to treat, increasing mortality rates, and raising healthcare costs. AMR endangers medical advancements like surgeries and cancer treatments, impacts food security, and affects the country’s vital agricultural productivity. Economically, AMR could significantly hinder GDP growth and disproportionately impact rural and low-income communities, widening health inequalities. Additionally, environmental contamination from antibiotic residues in water sources worsens AMR, affecting both ecosystems and public health across Vietnam.
Our mission as a global leader in antibiotics comes with the responsibility to address AMR through innovative community engagement. By working with healthcare agencies and leveraging diverse outreach channels, Sandoz aims to empower Vietnamese families to contribute to a healthier future by using antibiotics responsibly and make a real impact on AMR prevention across Vietnam,” said Charaf Eddine Kadri.
The program will see Sandoz implement a series of large-scale educational activities in 2024. High-visibility billboards in busy locations will display videos to increase public awareness of AMR, while a newly-developed website will provide in-depth information, articles, infographics and videos that explain AMR in accessible, engaging ways. Additionally, Sandoz will collaborate with Children’s Hospital 2 and National Children’s Hospital during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week to offer AMR-focused informational booths, helping patients and visitors understand the importance of responsible antimicrobial use.
