Hanoi(VNA) - World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative to Vietnam LokkyWai has called on Vietnꦡam to undertake more efforts tocombat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

“The most important factor that contributes to the rise of AMRis the use of antibiotics in humans and animals. Therefore, the most effectivemeasure the government can take is to control the use of antibiotics and ensurethey are used appropriately,” Wai said at a meeting to mark Vietnam AntibioticAwareness Week 2016 on November 30 in Hanoi. Wai said the increase of antibiotic production, supply and usehas contributed to the spread of AMR in the environment and food chain due tothe increasing pressure to meet the global food demand of people and internationaltrade, along with industrialization, urbanisation and expansion of the healthservices sector. “The role of other sectors, such as trade, industry, environmentand natural resources, are therefore important to complement regulatory actionsand closely monitor the spread of AMR in the food chain and environment,” Waisaid. “The inter-sectoral action undertaken in Vietnamis, therefore, astep in the right direction and is an excellent example for other countries inthe region. By committing to work together, Vietnam is making a greatcontribution to the global fight against AMR,” the WHO representative added. “Last year, we had 400,000 individuals pledging to help fightAMR. We will continue to gather more pledges until we reach the one millionmark to demonstrate the public’s support in building a healthy, safe andprogressive Vietnam,” Wai said. Speaking at the meeting, Luong Ngoc Khue, the health ministry’sHealth Examination and Management Department director, said antimicrobialresistance is a risk to Vietnam’s people and economy following the increase inantibiotic use and lax management of antibiotic use in healthcare and animalhusbandry. Vietnam is in the list of countries with a high AMR rate due toinsufficient awareness on antibiotic and AMR in community and health workers.Many residents purchase and use antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription oroveruse the latest antibiotics prescribed by doctors. Excessive use ofantibiotics in animal and aquaculture production is also a reason for theincrease of AMR in the country, according to Khue. The annual week, titled "Together and Stronger againstAMR," aims to increase awareness of global antibiotic resistanceand to encourage best practices among the general public, health workers andpolicy makers to avoid further emergence and spread of antibioticresistance. According to WHO, AMR results in some 700,000 global deaths peryear. By 2050, the number of deaths attributed to AMR is estimated to be 10million per year, more than the estimate for cancer and 10 times more than theestimate for diabetes.-VNA