Addressing antimicrobial resistance in China: progress and challenges in translating political commitment into national action

In 2016, 14 department ministers collaboratively launched China’s five-year National Action Plan (NAP) on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The NAP sets out strategic objectives including diagnostic innovation, mandatory prescriptions for antibiotics in human and animal use, antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in hospitals, and professional capacity building. We conducted an interim post-implementation analysis to assess the impact of the NAP and provide critical insights about where efforts should focus next.

Despite the progress, China faces challenges across health systems. A whole-health-economy approach is needed to involve wider stakeholders to achieve sustainable long-term benefit.