The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is drafting a proposal for a surveillance program to monitor antibiotic resistance in the environment. In January 2025, Viet Nam plans to pilot a monitoring system targeting antibiotic-resistant microorganisms in environmental settings.
This initiative aims to fulfill objectives outlined in the National Strategy for Antimicrobial Resistance Control in Viet Nam (2023-2030), with a vision extending to 2045.
The proposal includes five key objectives: Promoting an intersectoral coordination mechanism for managing and monitoring antimicrobial resistance; Enhancing knowledge and technical capacity among environmental monitoring personnel to implement resistance surveillance; Identifying specific antibiotic-resistant bacteria for ecological monitoring; Establishing an information-sharing system and a database on antibiotic resistance in the environment; Encouraging research, collaboration, and resource mobilization to support resistance monitoring activities.
Through this plan, Viet Nam aims to gradually strengthen its capacity to monitor antimicrobial resistance in the environment. It also emphasizes research, awareness campaigns, and solutions to mitigate the impacts of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic residues on the environment and public health. Developing a cross-sectoral coordination mechanism for resistance surveillance will protect human health, preserve the environment, and ensure sustainable socio-economic development.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment draft proposal outlines 14 priority tasks and activities, with specific assignments for the ministry’s affiliated units. Funding will be sourced from environmental, scientific, and technological budgets, alongside support from international partnerships, private sector contributions, and development organizations.
During the pilot phase starting in January 2025, Viet Nam will initially assess the antibiotic resistance levels of E. coli in selected environmental samples.