The Danish Minister for the Interior and Health, Sophie Løhde, Gains Insights into Projects Supported by ICARS in Vietnam

During a meeting convened by the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) in Hanoi, the Danish Minister for the Interior and Health, Sophie Løhde and her delegation congratulated the Vietnamese authorities on the progress made in their National Action Plans (NAPs) implementation, aimed at enhancing prudent antimicrobial use (AMU) and addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). 

At the meeting, Dr Lua from the Research Institute of Aquaculture No. 1 showcased the aquaculture ICARS-supported project, gathering data on bottlenecks and challenges faced by striped catfish (Pangasius) farmers who are interested in vaccinating their fish. This initiative enables more farmers to vaccinate their fish, mitigate disease risks, and reduce the need for antimicrobial usage. Additional trials conducted in northern Vietnam will assess the effectiveness of in-pond raceway production aquaculture systems in minimizing disease occurrences and antimicrobial usage.

An additional project, funded by ICARS through the EU JPIAMR program, was introduced by Dr Phuc from the Hanoi University of Public Health. The I-CRET project (Decreasing CRE transmission between hospitals, communities & domesticated animals), investigates the transmission of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) pathogens that contribute significantly to hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), mortality rates, and healthcare expenses in Vietnam and other Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Dr Phuc discussed the various activities that aim to reduce and evaluate the transmission of CRE from discharged patients to household members, communities, livestock, and the environment.

The Danish delegation was delighted to learn firsthand from Vietnamese researchers about their collaboration with ICARS in co-developing and implementing projects from a One Health perspective. And they were pleased to see how the ICARS-supported initiatives are aiding Vietnam in meeting the targets outlined in the NAPs.