Pfizer Vietnam partners with two hospitals in managing Antimicrobial Resistance

Pfizer's partnerships with two national hospitals in Hanoi aim to advance antimicrobial awareness and antimicrobial stewardship, objectives mentioned in the new National Strategy on the Prevention of Antimicrobial Resistance for the period 2023-2030, with a vision to 2045.

The Memorandum of Understanding ceremony between Pfizer and Viet Duc University Hospital on June 13.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top 10 global threats to human health today, contributing to about 5 million deaths each year 1. WHO assesses Vietnam as one of the countries with alarming rates of antimicrobial resistance2 .

Not only does it pose more challenges in treating infectious diseases, leading to higher mortality rates, but antimicrobial resistance also creates economic burdens due to patients requiring more advanced, costly treatment and prolonged hospitalization duration.

The Memorandum of Understanding ceremony between Pfizer and Vietnam National Children's Hospital on June 14.

Pfizer's collaborations with Viet Duc University Hospital and Vietnam National Children's Hospital encompass the following key initiatives: collaboration in organizing and deploying scientific conferences; AMS training programs of hospitals; Support the implementation of the AMS program to hospitals; Antimicrobial Resistance awareness increase and AMS surveillance.

PhD. Duong Duc Hung, Director of Viet Duc University Hospital, stated: "We highly welcome the cooperation with Pfizer, an entity with deep understandings and experience in antimicrobial resistance management. In Vietnam, the combat against antimicrobial resistance faces many challenges due to the deeply ingrained habits of the population and certain challenges in prescription management. Therefore, it is crucial to concentrate resources exchange and cooperation among various cooperations, healthcare workers, and the community. Viet Duc University Hospital believes that this partnership with Pfizer will bring significant progress in preserving the effectiveness of antibiotic treatments and thereby improving public health."

A. Prof. PhD. Tran Minh Dien, Director of Vietnam National Children's Hospital, also expressed their high appreciation for the cooperation. 

He said: "The partnership with Pfizer will open up many opportunities to help Vietnam National Children's Hospital strengthen control and raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance for not only patients but also healthcare professionals. Through the cooperation program, we aim to be able to minimize the current rate of antimicrobial resistance in children, contributing to protecting the health of Vietnam's future generations."

Mr. Darrell Oh, General Director of Pfizer Vietnam at the ceremony.

Mr. Darrell Oh, General Director of Pfizer Vietnam shared: "For 175 years, Pfizer has been discovering, developing, and delivering breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. The commitment to our patients is always the center of everything we do. Cooperating with two central hospitals in Hanoi marks an important milestone for Pfizer, creating an acceleration for our antimicrobial resistance management program to reach more healthcare professionals and the general public. Drawing from our global experiences, Pfizer recognizes the importance of incorporating effective management policies, programs and the use of advanced antibiotics. Therefore, beyond our efforts to strengthen R&D for a diverse portfolio of antibiotics, we view collaboration and resource-sharing as a key mission in the fight against antimicrobial resistance."