Sandoz launches scheme to combat antimicrobial resistance

The initiative aligns with Vietnam’s National Strategy on the Prevention of Antimicrobial Resistance for 2023–2030 which calls on people to take action against antimicrobial resistance.

Charaf Eddine Kadri, (second from left), general director, Sandoz Vietnam. Photo: Sandoz

"In the simplest of terms, this means patients – or often parents of patients – tend to opt for antibiotics or anti-infective medications for routine illnesses for which they are ineffective," explained Charaf Eddine Kadri, general director of Sandoz Vietnam.

"Purchasing medications without prescription from pharmacies for conditions such as the common cold ultimately renders them less effective for the diseases which they are originally meant for. This leads to needing ever-stronger medications for patients, including children, for relatively simple, treatable conditions," he added.

Under the theme 'Antibiotics: Invisible Threat, Visible Love – Learn how to protect yourself and your family', the scheme aims to address a serious global health threat that has a significant impact in Vietnam, affecting both public health and the nation’s sustainable healthcare development.

Sandoz Vietnam’s campaign will run from now until the end of 2028, focusing on broad community engagement and education to encourage responsible antibiotic use.

A series of large-scale educational activities will be implemented before the end of the year. High-visibility billboards in busy locations will display videos to increase public awareness of AMR, while a newly developed website will provide in-depth information, articles, infographics and videos that explain AMR in accessible, engaging ways. Additionally, Sandoz will collaborate with Children’s Hospital 2 and National Children’s Hospital during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week to offer AMR-focused informational booths, helping patients and visitors understand the importance of responsible antimicrobial use.

Charaf Eddine Kadri, general director, Sandoz Vietnam. Photo: Sandoz

Talking to VIR at the event, Kadri explained that this initiative aligns with the company’s global mission of improving health outcomes and supporting sustainable healthcare practices.

"We understand that measuring success is not merely about numbers; it comes from building a strong coalition of stakeholders—healthcare providers, pharmacists, policymakers, and the community; it’s about the real impact we have on public health and the important conversations we spark within our communities," said Kadri.

As the largest global Gx antibiotics manufacturer by volume, Sandoz believes in responsible access, manufacturing, and use. By promoting education and responsibility, Sandoz aims to empower the Vietnamese people to mitigate AMR risks.

"Our ultimate goal is to ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from the miracle of antibiotics. We want to change perceptions around antibiotic use, to emphasise that they should never be taken without a prescription. Antibiotics are not a cure-all; they are invaluable tools that must be used wisely," Kadri added.

AMR poses a severe health risk in Vietnam, making infections harder to treat, increasing mortality rates, and raising healthcare costs. It endangers medical advancements like surgeries and cancer treatments, impacts food security, and affects the country’s vital agricultural productivity. Economically, AMR could significantly hinder GDP growth and disproportionately impact rural and low-income communities, widening health inequalities. Additionally, environmental contamination from antibiotic residues in water sources worsens AMR, affecting both ecosystems and public health across Vietnam.

According to the World Health Organization, there were just under 300,000 deaths in Vietnam due to antibiotic resistance from 2020 to 2023. Vietnam experiences a high AMR rate due to factors like the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, the sale of antimicrobials without prescriptions, and improper prescribing practices.

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