Malaysian Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (MyAP-AMR) 2017-2021.

This Malaysian Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (MyAP-AMR) 2017-2021 is a nationwide cross-sectoral policy document. To slow the emergence of AMR and prevent its spread, the general objectives are idetified in the MyAP-AMR as: (1) increase public knowledge and understanding of AMR and use of antimicrobials, particularly in those involved in healthcare, nursing care, food, and livestock production and aquaculture, (2) understand the state of AMR emergence and prevalence, and use of antimicrobials (including surveillance, monitoring and research), and to assess the risk based on the understanding of AMR and the issue (3) enhance proper infection prevention and control, (4) ensure appropriate use of antimicrobial in order to reduce antimicrobial- resistant organisms.
The Plan states that in improving animal health, disease prevention strategies are crucial which includes improvement of biosecurity and husbandry, increase in the use of vaccines and strengthening of surveillance. Educational campaigns and awareness of AMR should also be addressed to all levels of society. The priority measures for containment of AMR over the next five years (2017 - 2021) are developed, based on the four priority areas: (1) Public awareness and education, (2) Surveillance and research, (3) Infection prevention and control and (4) Appropriate use of antimicrobials. Objectives are defined for each priority area: (1) Improve awareness and understanding of AMR through effective communication, education and training; (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) Optimize the use of antimicrobial medicines in human and animal health. The outcomes expected of the Plan includes reduction in national human consumption of antibiotics and reduction in the volume of antibiotic use in food production; reduction in the prevalence of AMR based on data collected through integrated programmes for surveillance of AMR throughout the country; and reduction in the prevalence of preventable infections in particular the incidence of drug-resistant infections in health care settings.
In terms of governance, the National Antimicrobial Resistance Committee (NARC) is co-chaired by the Director General of Health and Director General of Department of Veterinary Services under the “One Health” framework. As AMR has become the health agenda at all level and due to the complexity of AMR coordination from various sectors, a National Coordinating Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance (NCCAR) has been established to facilitate and coordinate activities.