Ha Noi, Viet Nam.  Viet Nam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) collaborated with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized a consultation workshop to launch the National Strategy Strengthening of the specialised veterinary management system at all levels for the period of 2021–2030 (Decision No. 414/QD-TTg). The ultimate goals of the strategy are to strengthen capacity of the specialized veterinary management system at all levels, ensuring valid and effective implementation of veterinary activities, proper animal disease control, public health protection, and proactive and deepened global integration.

The agriculture sector in Viet Nam has performed extremely well in the past several years. In 2022 the export value surpassed US$ 52 billion, contributing to the GDP growth of more than 6.5%. Livestock contributes over one-quarter, 25.2%, of Viet Nam’s agricultural GDP. However, as one of the fastest growing economies, Viet Nam faces many threats affecting livestock production, including the threats from animal diseases. Animal health is a core element for livestock production and its sustainable development. But rapid changes in livestock production increase the potential for new pathogens to emerge, grow and spread from animals to humans. We know from experience and research that healthy animals are closely related to healthy people and a healthy environment. It is well established that animal diseases can have a significant impact on livestock production, trade, livelihoods, food security and national economies, as well as on human health. Furthermore, animal diseases can severely affect endangered or threatened wildlife populations and disrupt biodiversity conservation efforts. Thus, it is important to strengthen the Viet Nam Veterinary Service System to mitigate the impact of animal and zoonotic diseases, that threaten our livelihood and food security. A strong veterinary system is essential to ensure that “no one is left behind” in the country’s journey to high income status.

Through the One Health approach, FAO contributes to improving animal health to make livestock production more productive and sustainable while achieving optimal health for all at the human-animal-environment interface. With generous support from USAID and other donors, FAO Viet Nam Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) has been collaborating with MARD since 2006 to control and prevent the spread of transboundary animal diseases (TADs) and zoonotic diseases (zoonoses), such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), to minimize the risk of further transmission to humans.

Safeguarding welfare and food security of Vietnamese people

The National Strategy and Plan for veterinary service system development is a testimony of the Government of Viet Nam’s strong commitment to safeguarding welfare and food security of its people, while driving the sustainable development of livestock sector through effective control of animal diseases, protection of public health and integration of livestock sector in the global trade. The National Strategy includes four key components to strengthen Viet Nam Veterinary Service System capacity to:

1) manage and control animal and zoonotic diseases,
2) manage veterinary hygiene and food safety inspection for animal and animal products,
3) manage veterinary drug and vaccines, and
4) promote application of information technologies and digital transformation in animal health sector.