Data from the latest global survey on implementation of the Global Action Plan on addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) showed that more countries than ever are determined to fight AMR, but also major setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Of the 163 countries that responded to the survey — administered jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) — more than 90 percent said that COVID-19 negatively impacted development and implementation of national plans to address AMR. As a result, reduced funding, lack of coordination, and deferred data collection, capacity building, and campaigns have plagued efforts worldwide.
Specific efforts also have a long way to go. Only half surveyed had a functional AMR coordination mechanism across multiple sectors to help prioritize, pay for, and monitor national action plans. While 86 percent had multisectoral AMR action plans, only about 20 percent were actively monitoring their fulfillment. Despite 91 percent of respondents instituting laws and regulations on the prescription and sale of antimicrobials, only 55 percent have systems that actively monitor sales at the national level, and 23 percent have no systems of monitoring antimicrobial use in human health.
There are some signs of progress. More than 60 percent of countries have linked their AMR national action plans to other health topics and plans, and more than half are at least promoting limited and small-scale AMR awareness campaigns. Plus, more than 78 percent are providing some pre- and in-service training related to AMR for healthcare workers. However, only 9 percent have formally added it to their curricula.
Overall, the data paints a picture that, according to WHO, an urgent reassessment of priorities, cost, implementation, and monitoring is needed on behalf of AMR activities, and countries need to build capacity to guarantee the functioning of multisectoral coordination structures. Political commitment, with resources to match and increased awareness, could all benefit efforts as well.