National policy on antimicrobial resistance to be ready next year

Islamabad

Pakistan’s first national strategic and operational plan on Antimicrobial Resistance will be in place by May 2017. In this connection, a National Policy Development Workshop on Antimicrobial Resistance concluded here the other day, with representatives and experts from federal and provincial health departments, relevant stakeholders, and subject experts involved in production, regulation, consumption, research and prescription of antibiotics in attendance.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global phenomenon and there are reports of increasing occurrence of AMR causing germs that threaten human and animal health. As a consequence, infections due to resistant organisms can be severe, including longer illnesses, increased deaths, prolonged hospital stay, and increased costs. The indirect impact of AMR is also very significant and extends beyond increased health risks with major implications on public health.

It is now a well-established fact that systematic misuse and overuse of antibiotics in human and animal health sector and food production have promoted widespread distribution of resistant organisms, including in Pakistan. The problem is further compounded by the fact that few replacement antimicrobial products are in the pipeline.

In her message, Minister of State for Health Saira Afzal said the National AMR Policy is in line with the five strategic objectives of the WHO Global Action Plan for AMR focusing on improving awareness and understanding of AMR; strengthen knowledge and evidence base through surveillance and research; reducing the incidence of infection through effective sanitation; hygiene and infection prevention measures, optimizing the use of antimicrobial medicines in human and animal health and to develop the economic case for sustainable investment that takes account of the needs of all countries and to increase investment in new medicines, diagnostic tools, vaccines and other interventions.

Earlier, during the inaugural session, the health secretary said, “We are fully aware of the magnitude of the AMR.” He urged experts to reflect upon the principles of engagement of whole-of-society including a one-health approach; appropriate use of existing and new antimicrobial medicines; sustainability through long-term investment and prioritization of actions required to meet local and global needs in all such initiatives.