Strategy for control and prevention of anti-microbial resistance (AMR) for the period of 2015-2020.

This Strategy for control and prevention of anti-microbial resistance (AMR) for the period of 2015-2020 is a cross-sectoral strategy aiming at tackling the problem of protection of human and animal health against the risk of resistance to antimicrobial drugs due to genetic alteration (mutation) caused by prolonged application (use) of antimicrobial drugs. Antimicrobial drugs in veterinary medicine are used not only for therapeutic, but also for prevention purposes, including treatment of drug-resistant bacteria (such as Salmonella and Campylobacter) and AMR can be transmitted from animal to humans directly or indirectly through food-borne diseases through consumption by humans of foodstuffs of animal origin, containing residues of veterinary drugs. The objective of the Strategy is to prevent indiscriminate use of antibacterial veterinary drugs, restricting the application thereof only by prescription from a veterinarian. The scope of the Strategy is to reduce the emergence of new viable bacteria in the Republic of Armenia, the spread of bacteria and infectious drug-resistant forms.
The framework of measures to ensure quality and safety of veterinary drugs includes broader cooperation in the fields of protection of animal and human health, veterinary medicine and food production. It envisages cooperation between agencies and ministries concerned. The Strategy establishes: (a) policy implementation and management system for antimicrobial stability and regulation of consumption of antimicrobial veterinary drugs; (b) implementation of the system of supervision over antibiotic resistance; (c) ) infection control, antimicrobial contribution to organizations providing medical care and services; (d) improvement of the efficiency of infection control and organization and administration of antimicrobial control information system within the infrastructure of medical care and services; (e) introduction of laboratory testing standards for AMR; (f) raising health awareness of AMR and application of proper use of antimicrobial drugs; and (g) prevention of development of resistance to antibacterial drugs in agriculture.
The beneficiaries of the Strategy are the citizens of the Republic of Armenia, individual professional groups in veterinary, nutrition, medical and service organizations, institutions, higher and secondary vocational education institutions.