National Strategic Plan for Combating Antimicrobial Resistance in Sri Lanka 2017 – 2022.

The National Strategic Plan for Combating Antimicrobial Resistance (NSP) is developed under five key strategies which are aligned with the strategic objectives of the Global Action Plan. These strategies cover all aspects in combating AMR involving human, animal, agriculture, fisheries and environment sectors. The five strategies are further expressed with specific objectives and with short and long term (2 and 5 years) milestones for implementation. The Strategies are: 1. Improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance through effective communication; 2. Strengthen the knowledge and evidence base through surveillance and research; 3. Reduce the incidence of infection through effective sanitation, hygiene and infection prevention measures; 4. Optimise the use of antimicrobial medicines in human and animal health; 5. Prepare the economic case for sustainable investment and increase investment in new medicines, diagnostic tools, vaccines and other interventions. Vision: Minimise the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance using one health approach. Mission: To promote infection prevention, control, and rational use of antimicrobials and to ensure the availability of safe and effective antimicrobials of good quality.
The Specific objectives are: 1.1 Increase national awareness of AMR; 1.2 Improve knowledge of AMR and related topics. 2.1 Strengthen/establish the national surveillance system for antimicrobial resistance in human and animal sectors; 2.2 Establish/strengthen national surveillance system for antimicrobial utilization in human, animal, aquatic products food industry and agriculture; 2.3 Build laboratory capacity to produce high-quality microbiological data for patient management and support surveillance activities in both human and animal sectors; 2. 4 Identify operational research priorities for responsible use of antimicrobial agents and better practice in human, animal health and agriculture. 3.1 Development of organizational/functional structure for practicing recommended infection prevention and control activities; 3.2 Capacity building for implementing IPC activities in healthcare setting; 3.3 Surveillance and assessment of compliance with IPC practices; 3.4 Public awareness on IPC; 3.5 Strengthen a national infection prevention and control programme in animals and in agriculture. Specific objective 4.1 Ensure uninterrupted access to high-quality antimicrobial medicines; 4.2 Improve and measure appropriate use of antimicrobial agents in human health care; 4.3 Ensure prudent use of antimicrobial agents in terrestrial and aquatic animals and agriculture 4.3 Ensure prudent use of antimicrobial agents in terrestrial and aquatic animals and agriculture. 5.1 Prepare an economic case to secure and use financing for diagnostic tool - Making available the diagnostic tools; 5.2 Prepare the economic case for sustainable investment in medicine - Availability of necessary medicine; 5.3 Prepare the economic case for sustainable investment in vaccines; 5.4 Prepare the economic case for sustainable investment in other interventions.