Close out workshop of V-RESIST study - Confronting drug resistant bacteria in Vietnam
On November 1, 2022 in Hanoi, the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research Vietnam organized the close-out workshop for V-RESIST “Combating the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistant infectious diseases in Vietnam”.
The workshop was attended by the Deputy Ambassador of Australia to Vietnam Mark Tattersall, Chief Representative of WHO in Vietnam – Dr. Angela Pratt, Prof. Robyn Ward – Executive Dean and Pro Vice-Chancellor Medicine and Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Dr. Cao Hung Thai – Vice Director of the Department of Medica Service Administration, along with representatives of the Vietnam Ministry of Health, the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, experts of Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cho Ray Hospital, National Children’s Hospital, researchers from the University of Sydney in Australia, donor, representatives of district-level hospitals and V-RESIST project members.
From 2019 to 2022, the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research has collaborated with partners to investigate the dual challenges of antimicrobial resistance and COVID-19. In collaboration with the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, V-RESIST project was implemented to build intervention models to change the behavior of the community, private pharmacies. and district hospitals for the purpose of reducing antibiotic resistance in Vietnam. The research results have been published in the Lancet Regional Health Western Pacific, and BMJ Global Health.
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Counted to November 2022, 154 training programs and seminars attracted 1,340 doctors and pharmacists’ attendances to share expertise and experience at district health facilities. The VRESIST study helped to set up AMS Committees, AMS teams with their detailed strategies and plans following Decision 563 of the Ministry of Health. The project also provided clinical experts to provide training and detailed audit-feedback for health care workers at district health facilities aiming to increase the effectiveness of treatment of infectious diseases and reduce overall antibiotic resistance at these hospitals. In the community, nearly 100 drugstores and pharmacies at the district level in Ca Mau province, were received training programs on how to distinguish virus and bacterial diseases to sell appropriate medicines for clients while reducing selling antibiotics if not needed. Besides, through health care facilities and private pharmacies, communication materials for patients on antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance were distributed to people to increase awareness and reduce the use of over-the-counter antibiotics in the community.
Speaking at the Conference, Prof. Greg Fox, Research Leader at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, said: “This project is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for 4 years from 2019 to 2022. Despite many challenges posed in the antimicrobial resistance management program, the initial successes of V-RESIST demonstrate the potential expansion of these interventions in Vietnam. We look forward to working with the Ministry of Health and Vietnamese partners to continue these programs to reduce antibiotic resistance in Vietnam, contributing to enhancing health security for Vietnam and the world.”
The study results will be consolidated and analyzed further in coming time.
