The UK Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Vietnam further strengthening a partnership between the two countries to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Strengthening UK–Vietnam partnership on antimicrobial resistance
The British Embassy Hanoi, in collaboration with FHI 360 launched the second phase of the UK’s Fleming Fund Country Grant (FFCG) – awarded £3.4M for Vietnam to continue their vital work on tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Led by the UK Department of Health and Social Care, the Fleming Fund supports low and middle-income countries to improve AMR surveillance systems, enhance laboratory capacity, and promote the use of quality data for informed decision-making to address the growing issue of AMR.
The second phase of the FFCG marks the continuation of dedicated efforts to combat AMR in Vietnam. This significant event reinforces the importance of the nation's surveillance systems for AMR, antimicrobial use (AMU), and antimicrobial consumption (AMC) across human health, animal health, and environmental sectors.
Demonstrating the in-country progress, the launch event brought together esteemed government officials, practitioners, and key stakeholders. The occasion highlighted the collaborative spirit that defines the UK Government's approach to combating AMR, celebrating Vietnam’s efforts and a shared commitment to tackling one of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
From May 2019 to April 2024, FHI 360 in collaboration with government counterparts and sub-grantees in Vietnam successfully implemented the FFCG for Vietnam phase I with funding of £8.8 million. This event promoted the remarkable strides achieved in AMR management that the project initiated in phase I.
Phase II Fleming Fund Country Grant to Vietnam launch.
This involved the establishment of core AMR surveillance networks across 17 laboratories, 3 National Reference Laboratories in human health, and 3 laboratories in animal health. The enhancement of laboratories in strengthening technical capacity, data management and reporting, biosafety and biosecurity practice, the improvement of information management system, infrastructure renovation and equipment procurement are noted as key achievements.
The event also acknowledged the extensive training and workshops that have strengthened human resource capacity and the development of crucial regulatory documents and guidance on AMR/AMU. These efforts have set the stage for active AMR surveillance in poultry and pigs - supporting the national strategy to apply One Health - promoting a unified approach to AMR knowledge sharing.
Dr Thu Nam speaking with Rémi Nono Womdim, FAO Representative to Vietnam.
£3.4 million was allocated from May 2024-December 2025 for phase II of the FFCG in Vietnam to further strengthen surveillance systems for AMR/U/C in human health, animal health, and the environment through a One Health approach.
This phase will see continued collaboration among FHI 360, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Oxford International Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), PATH International, and national partners such as the Medical Services Administration - Ministry of Health, Department of Animal Health - Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Pollution Control Department – Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The launch event was a testament to the ongoing commitment of both the UK and Vietnam in addressing the global challenge of AMR through effective surveillance, data sharing, and multi-sectoral collaboration. The outcome for phase II is ambitious: to ensure high-quality production and analysis of AMR data, share these analyses widely, and secure sustainable investments in AMR management at national and global levels.
In his speech, British Ambassador to Vietnam, Iain Frew, reflected on Vietnam's pioneering role in addressing AMR:
Vietnam has been a trailblazer in this critical endeavor. The British Embassy is delighted to support the continuation of this important work. Phase II of the Fleming Fund Country Grant will build upon the substantial progress made, fostering stronger surveillance systems, and promoting sustainable practices in AMR management.
Iain Frew, British Ambassador to Vietnam.
Dr Nguyen Thi Thu Nam, FHI 360 Country Director, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming phase:
We are thrilled to the official launch of phase II. The Fleming Fund has been instrumental in enhancing Vietnam's capacity to combat antimicrobial resistance. Together with our partners, FHI 360 is committed to driving forward the achievements and ensuring a lasting impact.
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