WHO estimates that 269,681 deaths occurred in Vietnam from 2020 to 2023 due to antibiotic resistance. High levels of resistance are driven by factors such as:

Overuse and misuse of antibiotics.
Sales of antibiotics without prescriptions.
Inappropriate prescriptions of antibiotics.

At a scientific conference titled Managing Antibiotic Resistance and Respiratory Infections, Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan described antibiotic resistance as one of humanity's greatest health threats. Reports indicate a rapid increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Vietnam, making many infections more difficult and expensive to treat while prolonging recovery times.

Deputy Minister Thuan highlighted several key causes of the problem:

Improper Use of Antibiotics: Self-medication without doctor approval, incomplete doses, or unnecessary antibiotic use.
Poor Antibiotic Management: Lack of strict oversight in prescribing and use.
Limited Public Awareness: Insufficient understanding of the dangers of antibiotic misuse.

Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam, Thomas Gass, warned that antibiotic resistance could exacerbate poverty traps, increase economic burdens, and strain families and healthcare systems. He likened the issue to a "silent pandemic" affecting many countries globally.

In response, the Vietnamese government has approved the National Strategy for Combating Antibiotic Resistance (2023–2030), with a vision toward 2045. Its primary goals include:

Slowing the progression of resistance.
Controlling the spread of resistant microorganisms and infectious diseases.
Ensuring the availability and appropriate use of antimicrobial drugs for effective treatment in humans and animals.

The strategy outlines measures to:

Raise public awareness.
Strengthen surveillance systems to issue timely warnings.
Reduce the transmission of infectious microorganisms.
Promote responsible, safe, and effective drug use.

Aligned with the national strategy, the Community Program for Combating Antibiotic Resistance (AMR) has officially launched to mobilize collective action to prevent resistance and protect future generations.

Under the theme “Right Dose, Safe Home,” the program seeks to tackle the global health threat by addressing its significant impact in Vietnam. Running from November 1, 2024, to December 31, 2028, the program emphasizes public education to improve awareness of responsible antibiotic use.

Swiss Ambassador Gass noted that efforts to combat antibiotic resistance are vital to safeguarding public health and ensuring Vietnam’s sustainable medical development.