A collaboration is signed on August 15 between the HCM City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital and Pfizer to enhance the management of antibiotic resistance and raise awareness of the role of preventive vaccination. — Photo courtesy of Pfizer Vietnam

Pfizer (Vietnam) Company Limited on August 15 and 16 signed a Memorandum of Understanding to partner with HCM City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital and Thong Nhat Hospital to implement the Antimicrobial Management Stewardship (AMS) programme.

The partnerships also enhance awareness among healthcare professionals about the burden of infectious diseases, the increase of antimicrobial resistance and the role of preventive vaccination.

Pfizer fortifies efforts to advance awareness and improve antimicrobial resistance management, in line with the national strategy on antimicrobial resistance prevention and control goals for the 2023-30 period, with a vision to 2045.

The partnerships encompass the following key initiatives: collaboration in organising and deploying scientific conferences; AMS training programmes of hospitals; support for the implementation of the AMS programme to hospitals; antimicrobial resistance awareness and AMS surveillance.

Besides that, the programme also reinforces the roles of anti-infective vaccines for high-risk patient groups (chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver and kidney disease, etc.) through collaborated programmes; implementation of community education programmes to raise awareness about vaccination against infectious diseases; and training programme on immunisation safety.

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers antimicrobial resistance (AMR) a major threat to global health, posing a significant burden on patients, their caregivers, the economy, and the healthcare system.

According to WHO estimates, AMR causes five million deaths each year. Viet Nam is among the top countries listed by WHO with an alarming rate of antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.

Over the years, Pfizer Vietnam has contributed to antibiotic stewardship programmes, forming close partnerships with national medical associations and frontline hospitals across the country to raise awareness and enhance antibiotic stewardship processes.

Darrell Oh, general director of Pfizer Vietnam, said the collaboration with the two hospitals reaffirms Pfizer's long-term strategic commitment to cooperating with the Vietnamese healthcare sector to address critical challenges like respiratory infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

“To overcome this problem, it requires multilateral cooperation in raising awareness with the motto that prevention is better than cure, building an effective drug management system, combined with research and development of advanced drugs and vaccine solutions,” he said.

The company strives to contribute its worldwide expertise and experience through strategic partnerships to protect the health of millions of Vietnamese people, he said.

Associate Professor, PhD MD Le Dinh Thanh, director of Thong Nhat Hospital, highly appreciated Pfizer's initiative and coordination in implementing AMS.

This is a comprehensive collaboration programme with precise planning that will take advantage of the expertise of the two parties in the initiatives to be implemented.

“This collaboration will set a solid platform for raising awareness and achieving stricter compliance with antibiotic use indications in the healthcare system and community,” he said.

Thong Nhat Hospital and Pfizer Vietnam jointly sign a MoU on Antimicrobial Stewardship at the ceremony held in HCM City on August 16. — Photo courtesy of Pfizer Vietnam

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hoang Dinh, deputy director of the HCM City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, said he appreciated Pfizer's support in providing scientific solutions and practical experience to implement antibiotic management programmes, combat antimicrobial resistance, and raise public awareness about infectious diseases.

“Our close collaboration with Pfizer in training, research, and updating knowledge on the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases will foster meaningful and lasting benefits for the community," he said.

The partnership also aims to help address Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) - the fourth leading cause of death globally caused by Pneumococcus, one of the most common causes of acquired pneumonia.

Viet Nam is one of 15 countries worldwide bearing a high burden of pneumococcal pneumonia, with a mortality rate of up to 50 per cent for all ages. — VNS