Dr Nguyen Thu Thuy, Deputy Director General of DAH during the opening of the workshop

The Department of Animal Health (DAH) in collaboration with FAO Viet Nam organized workshops in Hanoi (12 May) and HCMC (17 May) with the participation of key stakeholders on antimicrobial stewardship in livestock and aquaculture on the implementation of the recent Circular Letter 12/2020/TT-BNNPTNT (Prescription Circular).

The recent legislative initiatives in Viet Nam imply substantial changes in the way antimicrobials are managed, prescribed and used in animal production. This workshop, where representatives of the Sub-Department of Animal Health of most provinces in the north (Hanoi) and in the south (HCMC) also included key industry players provided the audience with clear information and guidelines about recent legislation concerning management and use of veterinary antimicrobials, with specific coverage of the Prescription Circular. During the workshop, DAH’s electronic management system for veterinary medicines was also introduced.

These workshops were an opportunity to voice concerns regarding the implementation of the current legislation on management of veterinary medicines and antimicrobial use in Vietnam. Feedback from the participants is crucial for DAH to continue improving antimicrobial stewardship across the country.