National Action Plan to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance 2018-2022.

Based on national and international commitments and the public health challenges that the country faces, a multisectoral working group was created to prepare the National Action Plan (PAN) to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance that will guide the actions of different entities within the scope of One health face this public health problem. The Plan's main objective is to establish prevention actions and control antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the country.
The Plan was prepared based on the strategic axes of the World Action Plan (PAM) of the World Health Organization (WHO), following the model of the National Action Plan (PAN) proposed by the WHO. Aligned with the strategic axes of the PAM, 10 specific objectives were developed for the PAN: 1- Raise awareness among the population about AMR, at national level; 2- Improve knowledge about AMR and related topics; 3- Establish a national AMR surveillance system; 4- Strengthen laboratory capabilities to produce high-quality microbiological data and support surveillance activities in the areas of human and animal health; 5- Identify priorities for operational research in order to achieve the responsible use of antimicrobial agents and best practices in the prevention of infections in human and animal health; 6- Create a national programme to prevent and control the occurrence of Healthcare-Associated Infections (IRCS); 7- Introduce infection control programmes in the practice of veterinary medicine and on livestock farms; 8- Limit the development and spread of AMR in the community; 9- Ensure uninterrupted access to high-quality antimicrobial medicines; 10- Promote the rational use of antimicrobial medicines in human and animal health services and in agriculture.
To achieve this objective, the WHO established five strategic axes and defined general strategies to guide its actions, those of individual member states and their national and international partners (WHO, 2016). The five strategic axes/objectives of PAM are: 1- Increase awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance through effective communication, education and training; 2- Strengthen knowledge and evidence through monitoring and research; 3- Reduce the incidence of infections through effective sanitation, hygiene and infection prevention measures; 4 - Optimize the use of antimicrobial drugs in human and animal health; 5- Prepare economic arguments aimed at sustainable investment and increase investments in new medicines, diagnostics and vaccines and other interventions.