Government Decree No. HG697/2023 validating the National Program for the surveillance and combating of antimicrobial resistance for the years 2023-2027.

This National Program is a comprehensive, intersectoral framework document intended to serve as guidance in the activities of participating institutions by harmonizing the existing regulatory framework, developing new documents in the field of antimicrobial resistance in accordance with requirements of EU and WHO legislation, capacity development of all partners, whose powers and responsibilities are the implementation of operations, services and activities in the area of antimicrobial resistance, as well as through initiating the implementation of the provisions of regulations, taking actions in order to improve public health, which will also contribute to the fight against resistance to antimicrobial drugs. Central authorities and structures involved in health surveillance of humans, animals and the environment, will ensure the organization and implementation of planned measures, public access to the results obtained through assessments, information on the use of funds and the effectiveness of the arrangements.
This Program is aimed at reducing the occurrence and development of resistance to antimicrobial preparations at the expense of cautious use of anti-microbial preparations and application of high standards in the fields of prevention and control of infections at the community and medical level institutions. For this, the following general objectives are established.
General goal 1. Strengthening of national potential and mechanisms for coordination and development of policies in the sphere of human health, veterinary and in the agricultural sphere for the acceleration of intersectoral response within the framework of struggle with resistance to antimicrobial preparations, as well as for prevention and control of infections in medical and veterinary establishments – by 2027. Achievement of this goal will be carried out by means of normative development institutional basis, concerning mechanisms of coordination and implementation of intersectoral measures for prevention and control of resistance to anti-microbial preparations with the application of the principle «One health approach» at the national, as well as at the territorial level. This goal envisages revision of the legislation in the pharmaceutical sphere and the introduction of specific regulating measures for the implementation of the transfer and application of legislation of the European Union for the improvement of cautious use of antimicrobial preparations. At the same time, efforts will be directed towards strengthening national laboratory networks for supervision of antimicrobial resistance and granting access to adequate diagnostic services according to national and international recommendations. General goal 2. Raising the level of awareness of resistance to antimicrobial preparations of the entire population and specialists in the field of human and animal health - by 2027. The fulfillment of this goal will be ensured by measures to strengthen the health education component by promoting the rational use of antimicrobial preparations. The primary role will be given to increasing literacy in health issues to improve the degree of understanding of resistance to antimicrobial drugs, as well as to the training of specialist doctors in the rational use of antimicrobial drugs - at all levels (population, veterinary medicine and agriculture). At the same time, arrangements will be carried out to communicate and increase awareness of resistance to antimicrobials and the prudent use of antimicrobials at all levels as a means of increasing knowledge and encouraging behavioral changes among citizens and healthcare professionals. General Goal 3: Strengthening mechanisms for market introduction, prescribing and dispensing antimicrobial drugs to the population, veterinary and agricultural sector in accordance with national and international standards to prevent and control antimicrobial resistance – by 2027. The implementation of this goal will be ensured through actions for harmonization of national legislation with EU standards and implementation of regulatory framework for regulating the use of antimicrobial drugs, intended for human consumption and veterinary use; development of procedures for permitting placement, as well as promoting rational prescription and monitoring the process of using antimicrobial preparations intended for human consumption and veterinary purpose, along with training medical specialists in rational prescribing antimicrobial drugs - at all levels (population, veterinary and rural farming).
This Program will stimulate collaboration and partnerships among a variety of stakeholders, including human and animal health professionals, government agencies, academic institutions, and international organizations. Such collaboration can facilitate the sharing of knowledge, resources and best practices, promoting a comprehensive and coordinated approach to combating antimicrobial resistance.