Namibian Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan (NAAP).

The Namibian Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan (NAAP) (2017) was developed using a “One Health” approach across a variety of stakeholders. The overall goal of this NAAP is in line with the goal of the Global Action Plan which is to “ensure, for as long as possible, continuity of successful treatment and prevention of infectious diseases with effective and safe medicines that are quality assured, used in a responsible way, and accessible to all who need them”
The NAAP' strategic objectives will be addressed following these 6 Pillars: 1) Surveillance - achieve monitoring capacity through surveillance to capture essential information on AMR and inform decision making. The strategic objectives for surveillance are: To implement an integrated and coordinated national surveillance program for human and animal health; To improve laboratory capacity to ensure quality AMR data; To improve water quality testing and testing of food products of animal origin to ensure that no antimicrobials and residues are present; To ensure pathogens isolated from drinking water and food products are monitored for AMR. 2) Prevention - reduce the incidence of infection through effective hygiene and IPC measures. The strategic objectives for prevention are: To establish mechanisms for coordinating and strengthening Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) initiatives at all levels of healthcare to prevent the spread of disease; To strengthen biosecurity measures on farms and country borders to prevent the spread of disease; To adopt and sustain a community based total sanitation approach to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); To strengthen the tracking and recording of controlled disease vaccinations in animals and expand vaccination in humans. 3) Antimicrobial use - optimize the use of antimicrobial medicines in human and animal health. The strategic objectives for rational use are: To ensure that antimicrobials of high quality are continuously available in adequate quantities to meet the health needs of the population in all parts of the country at the lowest possible cost; To ensure that all antimicrobials meet the minimum standard requirements for safety, efficacy and quality at all times; To ensure rational and appropriate use of antimicrobials at the health facility and community level in both human and animal health sectors; To ensure that antimicrobial use patterns and practices are monitored and evaluated. 4) Awareness, Collaboration and Communication - improve awareness, collaboration and communication regarding AMR. The strategic objectives for awareness, collaboration and communication are: To establish a structure for multi-sectoral collaboration, governance and communication on AMR; To promote awareness on AMR in both human and animal health sectors at the health facility and community level; To ensure on-going awareness of IPC, WASH, biosecurity and vaccination through effective communication and collaboration. 5) Education and training - improve understanding of AMR through education and training. The strategic objectives for education and training are:. To ensure the incorporation of rational antimicrobial use and integration of IPC, WASH, vaccination and biosecurity in all health professional curricula for both human and animal health sectors; To maintain the skills and knowledge of health workers in IPC, WASH, diagnostic tests, vaccination and biosecurity through in-service training and CPD activities; To educate farmers and agriculture retailers on the use and application of antimicrobials; To ensure IPC practitioners are trained and qualified in all health facilities. 6) Research and development – promote research and development in prevention, medicine use, indigenous knowledge systems and medicinal plants. The strategic objectives for R&D are: To promote research and development in IPC, WASH, biosecurity and vaccines, medicine use, indigenous knowledge systems and medicinal plants.