Cook Islands Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan (2017-2020).

The Cook Islands Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan is a national policy with a multisectoral approach. The timeframe of this Plan covers the period between 2017 and 2020. The strategic objectives of this Plan are: (I) awareness raising and education on antimicrobial resistance; (II) strengthening surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial use; (III) optimizing the use of antimicrobials in all sectors; and (IV) strengthening infection prevention and control.
This Plan lays down strategies to raise awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among the public, relevant stakeholders, and policymakers. The strategies include developing an evidence-based awareness campaign, strengthening public education on the causes and prevention of AMR, and raising awareness of the need for antimicrobial stewardship among stakeholders in the National Plan. The surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and use in human, animal, and environmental sectors will be strengthened by establishing a national surveillance system for antimicrobial resistance, strengthening antimicrobial resistance surveillance in animal and environmental sectors, and enforcing the prescription of all antimicrobials by registered veterinarians to be used in animals. Measures will be taken to ensure the rational and appropriate use of antimicrobials in human, animal, and environmental sectors, in line with the Cook Islands Antibiotic Guidelines. Antimicrobial stewardship will be strengthened to promote responsible and sustainable practices in the use of antimicrobial medications. A robust approach will be applied to the procurement of antimicrobials based on the Cook Islands Essential Medicines List. Procurement processes will be streamlined to ensure that antimicrobial medications are chosen based on scientific evidence and are of the highest quality, contributing to a more effective and sustainable healthcare system. As a pivotal component in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, infection prevention and control measures will be enhanced to prevent and control the spread of infections and resistant microorganisms in health-care settings and the community. Infection prevention and control practices will be supported in the agriculture, private, and environmental sectors, extending to Pa Enua as well. The efforts to minimize the use of antibiotics and prevent the emergence of resistance will be strengthened to mitigate the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance comprehensively. These efforts include strengthening the national and facility-based infection prevention and control programmes, ensuring adequate supply of personal protective equipment and waste management, and raising awareness of infection control practices.