National Multi-sectoral Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance for Tuvalu 2021-2025.

The National Multi-sectoral Plan to combat antimicrobial resistance shall be implemented for the period of 5 years between 2021 and 2025. The strategic objectives of this policy are: (I) establishing multi-stakeholders mechanisms to combat AMR, (II) raising awareness on AMR and fostering behavioural change across all institutions, sectors and communities, (III) establishing mechanisms for surveillance and research on AMR, (IV) strengthening infection prevention and control measures, food safety and hygiene, and (V) strengthening stewardship and monitoring on the use of antimicrobials in the human and agriculture sectors.
AMR governance structure will be established for effective implementation and regular monitoring of the national action plan. AMR Sub-committee will develop an annual Operational Plan for the five years and this policy will be reviewed every three years, or more frequently if necessary. The legal framework on AMR will be strengthened and enforced to promote responsible and to control the use of antimicrobials in both human and animal health. Awareness raising, information sharing on AMR and rational use of antimicrobials across institutions, sectors and community will be promoted. Communities' awareness will be raised on effective sanitation and hygiene. Furthermore, an educational program on AMR and its rational use and sanitation and hygiene will be inserted into curricula in schools at all levels. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) program and guidelines will be developed for communities and schools to promote safe water and hygiene practices.
Professional education and training on AMR will be provided to health-care workers and livestock officers. In addition to that, livestock officers will also be trained on good husbandry practices. The capacity of laboratory staff will be strengthened on microbiology and quality antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The infrastructure will be developed for AMR surveillance. Laboratory testing capacity will be developed for food residues and food imports to combat AMR. Measures will be taken to reduce the incidence of AMR through effective infection prevention and control measures, food safety and hygiene. Infection prevention and control and biosecurity will be strengthened in animal husbandry and farmers and livestock officers will be trained on this subject regularly. Tuvalu’s immunization programme will be strengthened through vaccination program in human and animal sectors. Antibiotic consumption will be monitored and this data will be regularly shared with key stakeholders at the regional and international levels.