The event brought together a wide array of experts and stakeholders to discuss the inclusion of vaccines as a tool to mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the implementation of Vietnam’s National Strategy on AMR, and to discuss recommendations for a policy brief based on review of the current evidence.
The workshop was part of the collaboration between OUCRU and the Global Antibiotic Resistance Partnership (GARP), initiated by the One Health Trust in 2009, whose primary aim is to address the escalating threat of AMR, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, through effective policy and strategy formulation.
The policy brief introduced during this workshop underscored the strategic importance of vaccines in the fight against AMR. The brief is the culmination of a year-long collaborative effort between OUCRU, NHTD and GARP, aimed at providing a comprehensive analysis and robust recommendations for enhancing Vietnam’s Immunisation Programme. The overarching goal is to mitigate AMR in Vietnam and include vaccines in the implementation of Vietnam’s National Strategy on AMR as an effective tool to combat AMR.
Experts from various national and international organisations, including the World Health Organization in Vietnam, the General Department of Preventive Medicine (Vietnamese Ministry of Health), and the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, contributed their insights.
During his opening speech, Associate Professor Dr Tran Dac Phu, former Director of the Department of Preventive Medicine and current Chairman of the Ministry of Health’s National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group (NITAG), highlighted the critical role of vaccines in preventing infectious diseases and safeguarding human health. He also introduced NITAG Vietnam and discussed how vaccines contribute to reducing antibiotic resistance.
Dr Dang Thi Thanh Huyen, Deputy Head of the National Office of the Expanded Immunisation Programme at the Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, noted, “The Expanded Immunisation Program in Vietnam has achieved remarkable results. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic decline in the vaccination rates for some vaccines, reaching record lows. This decline has contributed to the resurgence of infectious diseases like measles and diphtheria, which had previously been well-controlled by our vaccination efforts.”
The gathering also served as a platform for generating actionable recommendations for the implementation of both existing and future vaccines within the Expanded Program on Immunisation (EPI) in Vietnam. This initiative is expected to significantly bolster the country’s capabilities in preventing infectious diseases and combating antimicrobial resistance.
Professor Rogier van Doorn, Director of OUCRU Hanoi, emphasised the unit’s commitment to combating infectious diseases through research and evidence-based approaches.
Our partnership with NHTD and other national health bodies in Vietnam has been instrumental in advancing public health initiatives that cater specifically to the needs of the Vietnamese population.
Professor Rogier van Doorn, Director of OUCRU Hanoi
Four policy recommendations presented during the workshop will undergo further revisions, including consultations with experts. Once finalised, this document will be distributed to policymakers and shared broadly with relevant stakeholders to enhance implementation of Vietnam’s National Strategy on AMR.
