December 12, 2023

Symposium in Hanoi, Vietnam, focuses on antibiotic use in livestock

Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, hosted the "Symposium on Multi-Sectoral Coordination in Antimicrobial Resistance Prevention and Control: From Policies to Actions" on December 5 in Hanoi.

The event was supported by the United Kingdom's Fleming Fund through the Family Health International (FHI360).

In his address at the conference, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan underscored the serious impact of antibiotic misuse on both human and animal health, as well as its implications for food safety and environmental pollution.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has prohibited the use of antibiotics to stimulate growth in livestock since January 1, 2018.

Additionally, as stipulated in Government Decree No.13/2020/ND-CP, the complete ban of antibiotic use for disease prevention in livestock will come into effect from January 1, 2026. Starting from that year, antibiotics will only be permitted for treating diagnosed animal diseases and their usage must be prescribed by a licensed veterinary practitioner.

During the conference, associate professor Dr. Luong Ngoc Khue, director of the Medical Examination and Treatment Department and deputy head of the National Steering Committee for Antimicrobial Resistance Prevention and Control, emphasised the urgency of strengthening education and communication programmes to alter perceptions and prevent the misuse of antibiotics in healthcare, livestock, veterinary and community.

"Antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to global health and development, necessitating resolute action across all levels and sectors," said Dr. Khue. "The World Health Organization has identified antibiotic resistance as one of the top 10 threats to human health. The improper use and abuse of antibiotics are the primary factors contributing to the development of bacterial resistance. Failing to act today will make it increasingly difficult tomorrow to witness patients enduring suffering without access to effective treatment."

- SGGP