More countries committing to tackling antimicrobial resistance

A record number of countries (163) responded to the latest annual global survey of implementation of the Global Action Plan on addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) administered jointly by WHO, FAO and OIE (the “Tripartite”). However, more than 90% of those countries noted that COVID-19 had had a negative impact on development and implementation of national plans to tackle AMR. Challenges included reduced funding, lack of support for coordination meetings, as well as deferred activities in data collection, capacity building, and campaigns.

The data from the survey highlight an urgent need to expedite the prioritization, costing, implementation and monitoring of AMR activities and to build capacity to ensure the effective functioning of multisectoral coordination structures. It also flags an overall need to strengthen political commitment, to make more resources available, and build awareness about AMR.