Vietnamese Youth Join hands to Fight Antibiotic Resistance in Agriculture

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Over 500 students, lecturers, experts, policy makers, and international organizations recently gathered at the Hanoi-based Vietnam National University of Agriculture for the “Youth in Action Against Antimicrobial Resistance Forum”, an event held in celebration of World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW).

The forum was jointly held by the Department of Animal Health and Production, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and Vietnam National University of Agriculture, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Vietnam and funding from UK International Development.

The event brought together diverse partners committed to advancing the One Health approach and empowering youth to act against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

More than 500 students, lecturers, experts, and policy makers gather to exchange ideas and inspire collective action to tackle AMR through One Health approach. Source: FAO Vietnam

AMR occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist antimicrobial treatments, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. Experts warn that AMR is no longer a distant threat, it is a present danger to public health, food systems, and the environment that demands immediate and sustained action.

This year’s WAAW theme, “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future” underscores the urgency of cross-sectoral collaboration to safeguard the effectiveness of antimicrobials and protect future generations.

The forum engaged young students with dynamic lineup of activities ranging from panel discussions and a poster design contest to engaging games, all aimed at sparking conversations and raising AMR awareness among youth.

Participants had the opportunity to learn from leading voices in academia, policy, and development sectors, who emphasized the critical need for responsible antimicrobial use and highlighted the pivotal role young people play in building a healthier, more sustainable future.

The forum engages young students with a vibrant list of activities including panel discussions, poster exhibition, and engaging games, all aimed at sparking meaningful conversations and raising antimicrobial resistance among youth. Source: FAO Vietnam

Dr. Nguyen Thu Thuy, Deputy Director of the Department of Animal Health and Production, emphasized the importance of youth engagement. “Empowering students to understand and act on AMR is essential. Their energy and innovation can drive behavior change in communities and contribute to sustainable solutions across the agriculture and public health systems.”

Vinod Ahuja, FAO Representative in Vietnam, added, “Young people are key agents of change, and their engagement is essential to building sustainable solutions to antimicrobial resistance... By empowering students today, we are investing in a future where health, food safety, and environmental resilience go hand in hand.”

Meanwhile, British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew stated that antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest health challenges of our time, and educating the next generation is a crucial component in tackling it. We must collectively disseminate our clear message on the dangers presented by AMR through initiatives such as this session from FAO, supported by the UK Fleming Fund. He's pleased that the Government of Vietnam have consistently demonstrated their full commitment to tackling AMR, and we remain resolute in our shared duty to overcome the material risks AMR presents to human and animal health.

Assoc. Prof. Bui Tran Anh Dao, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at VNUA, describes this forum as a powerful example of how students can connect across disciplines and sectors to address AMR. By engaging youth in One Health conversations, we build a generation that understands the inter-connectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, and is ready to act.

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