National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2018-2022).

This National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2018-2022 (NAP) is a cross-sectoral policy document. The overall objective of this document is to operationalize and facilitate the effective implementation of policies and plans to combat AMR effectively through multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary collaboration under One Health approach.
The NAP considers that antimicrobials are critical in the management of infectious diseases. They are also essential tools for protecting animal health and welfare, and contribute in production of safe food. Inappropriate use of antimicrobials can lead to resistance which is known as the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) resulting in high morbidity and mortality with serious social and economic implications. In order to achieve the overall of the NAP, the following objectives are proposed: Objective 1. To establish a governance structure to spearhead the AMR activities; Objective 2. To promote rational use of antimicrobial agents at all levels of health care and veterinary settings; Objective 3. To institute surveillance and monitoring system on AMR and antimicrobials use; Objective 4. To create and promote awareness on AMR through educational and public campaigns; Objective 5. To establish and promote a system of research on AMR; Objective 6. To foster national and international collaboration; Objective 7. To strengthen control and regulatory system. In order to promote rational use of antimicrobial agents, actions shall focus on: Develop and revise antibiotic guideline for animal use; In service training workshop on AMR modules and guidelines; Capacity building in Infectious diseases management for the AMS sites; etc. Under Objective 3, main strategies include: lab-based AMR surveillance shall be established, lab-based Antimicrobial residual surveillance shall be established in food and food products, and antimicrobial consumption surveillance shall be established.
The Drug Technical Advisory Committee (DTAC) shall function as the National Steering Committee and provide technical guidance on AMR. A Division/Program shall be designated as the focal agency to coordinate the activities. A focal person each for human and animal health shall be designated to provide technical assistance related to AMR program/division. All AMR activities shall be included and budgeted in the annual work plan in line with the national action plan.