A Strategy and Action Plan for the Prevention and Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance in MALTA 2018 - 2025.

The Strategy and Action Plan for the Prevention and Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in MALTA 2018 - 2025 is a national cross-sectoral response to the threat of AMR in Malta with the aim of controlling and possibly reversing current AMR trends. The guiding principle leading the Strategy is that of One Health. This principle recognizes the inextricable link between humans, animals and the environment and emphasis that achieving optimal health outcomes for people and animals requires the collaboration and cooperation of Human Health, Animal Health and the environment.
The main objectives of the AMR Strategy are to: 1. Strengthen the infrastructure needed to address the AMR situation through adequate support of the inter-sectoral coordinating mechanism (ICM), appropriate legislation and strengthening of relevant surveillance and feedback systems in Human and Animal Health as well as the environment; 2. Foster improved awareness and education on AMR among healthcare professionals, veterinary professionals and the public, as well as the measures needed to prevent it; 3. Introduce overarching measures to ensure appropriate antibiotic prescribing and use in community, hospitals and veterinary practice and in both Human and Animal Health sectors; 4. Improve Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) through national coordination and oversight, implementation of effective IPC multi-modal strategies in all healthcare facilities (with the control of CRE designated as a national priority) and foster hygiene standards in farms to prevent cross-transmission of animal pathogens; and 5. Encourage and support innovation, research and networking in areas relevant to AMR.
To generate more inclusive agricultural and food systems the strategy aims at strengthening policies and strategies for human and animal health through the appropriate use of antibiotics and minimizing the development and spread of AMR. To this end, strategic priority areas for action include: Ensuring the necessary legislation and infrastructure to address AMR and implement effective strategie; Implementing effective antimicrobial stewardship practices across Human Health and Animal Health settings to ensure the appropriate and prudent prescribing, dispensing, administering and disposal of antimicrobials; Strengthening relevant surveillance and feedback systems on antibiotic use and resistance in human and Animal Health as well as the environment; Improving infection prevention and control measures across Human Health and Animal Health settings to help prevent infections and the spread of antimicrobial resistance; Through education and training, increasing awareness and understanding of AMR, its implications, and actions to combat it; Strengthening the research agenda through consensus, coordination and collaboration; and Strengthening international partnerships and collaboration on regional, European and global efforts to respond to antimicrobial resistance.
Regarding governance and implementation, implementation of the priority areas will take a staged approach over the life of the Strategy. It will involve many stakeholders and require a high level of cross sectoral cooperation at both the national and international levels. The Strategy will be regularly reviewed and updated so that it remains reflective of the work that is underway, and action plans for the future. The strategy is a joint effort of the Ministry for Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change and the Ministry of Health and is prepared in line with the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Action Plan on anti-microbial resistance 2016-2020. The main coordinating body is the Intersectoral Co-Ordinating Mechanism (Superintendence of Public Health through the National Antimicrobial Committee).