National Policy to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance.

The National Policy is coherent to the WHO Global Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with the following strategic objectives: improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance through effective communication, education and training; strengthen the knowledge and evidence base through surveillance and research; reduce the incidence of infection through effective sanitation, hygiene and infection prevention measures; optimize the use of antimicrobial medicines in human and animal health; and 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. The situational analysis outlines the current AMR position in the country. The document summarizes the structure for the development and implementation of the National Action Plan. It specifies the establishment of the National AMR Coordinating Committee, the Technical Working Groups, the Secretariat and the AMR Focal Point. It further describes the implementation structure at different levels.
The strategic objectives are to be operationalized in order to achieve the desired results of this plan. In each strategic objective, the priority actions, specific objectives, interventions and key activities have been identified. Strategic Objectives: 1. Create Awareness and Understanding of Antimicrobial Resistance through Effective Information, Education and Communication; 2. Strengthen the Knowledge and Evidence Based through Surveillance and Research; 3. Reduce the Incidence of Infection through Effective Sanitation, Hygiene and Infection Prevention Measures; 4. Optimize the Use of Antimicrobial Agents in Human and Animal Health; 5. 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. Priority Actions are: 1. Awareness-Raising and Risk Communication; 2. Education; 3. Surveillance System; 4. Laboratory Capacity; 5. Research and Development; 6. Infection Prevention and Control in Health Care; 7. Health Waste Management System; 8. Regulatory Framework for Preservation of Antimicrobial Agents; 9. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programmes; 10. Sustainability of Antimicrobial Resistance Interventions.