Antimicrobial Resistance National Strategy Framework 2014-2024.

The purpose of the Antimicrobial Resistance National Strategy framework is to provide a structure for managing AMR, to limit further increases in resistant microbial infections, and improve patient outcomes. The goals of the strategy are: to define the principles and short to medium term interventions needed to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials for future generations; to improve the appropriate use of antibiotics in human and animal health; to improve the effective management of antibiotic resistant organisms and to prevent their transmission ; to create an enabling environment for the successful and sustainable implementation of the strategic objectives. Priority research areas of Strategy enabler 4 include: the impact of proposed changes to prescribing practices in the animal feed sector and food security.
The strategic framework consists of four strategic objectives that are underpinned by four key enablers (see below). The strategic objectives are: Strategic objective 1: Strengthen, coordinate and institutionalise interdisciplinary efforts through national and Health Establishment level governance structures. Strategic objective 2: Optimise surveillance and early detection of antimicrobial resistance to enable reporting of local, regional, and national resistance patterns to optimise empiric and targeted antibiotic choice. Strategic objective 3: Enhance infection prevention and control of the spread of resistant microbes to patients in healthcare settings, focusing on improvement in hand hygiene and the identification and isolation of patients with resistant organisms. Community measures include preventing infection through widereaching vaccination programmes and improvements in water and sanitation. Strategic objective 4: Promote appropriate use of antimicrobials in human and animal health through antimicrobial stewardship.
The key enablers of these strategic objectives are: Legislative and policy reform for health systems strengthening to support the quality of antimicrobials in the country and to enable control over prescribing of antimicrobials in the animal health sector Education of all levels of health providers in human health and agriculture in the critical concepts of antimicrobial stewardship, infection control, infectious diseases, microbiology and pharmacology. Communication to educate the public, create awareness and enhance patient advocacy of the dangers of inappropriate antimicrobial use. Research into novel diagnostics such as point of care testing and clinical trials of treatment duration, antimicrobial consumption, and new antimicrobials.