AMR
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
10/03/20
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The OIE Sub-Regional Representation for Central Asia in collaboration with the WHO Country Offices has traditionally undertaken activities in the framework of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) in the sub-region.
is held annually from 18 to 24 November, starting in 2020
the theme of this year
On the first day of WAAW, November 18, the National Research Center for Health Development of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan held an online round table with the participation of representatives of the Ministry of Health, WHO Country Office, non-governmental organizations, the medical community, scientists, with the aim of identifying key methods of combating AMR in Kazakhstan.
Dr Mario Latini, Technical Expert of the OIE Sub-Regional Representation for Central Asia, presented information on the OIE’s activities to combat AMR in recent years. Global database oа antimicrobial agents intended for use in animals and communication campaigns were the strengths of this activity. The collection of data on antimicrobial agents intended for use in animals is now in its seventh round, with the latest report (fifth report) is available to the public. Particular attention was paid to the “One Health” approach. Regional “One Health» Coordination Mechanism for Europe is being implemented in cooperation between the regional offices of the FAO, OIE, and WHO to address the wide range of activities related to the “One Health” concept within the human-animal-environment interface. The speaker informed that the “One Health” Partner Platform is going to be launched by the FAO, OIE, UNEP and WHO representations in Europe to involve other stakeholders and donors in the initiatives related to “One Health” issues.
Manar Smagul, a representative of the Scientific and Practical Center for Sanitary and Epidemiological Expertise and Monitoring, which is designated as the National Coordinating Centre for the implementation and monitoring of AMR surveillance activities, reported that 27.5% of antibiotics are consumed without a prescription, and antibiotics in Kazakhstan account for 29.9% of all prescribed drugs are on an outpatient basis, which exceeds the WHO recommended rate of 20%. “The results of a comparative analysis of the consumption of systemic antibiotics for 2017-2019 for the Access, Watch and Reserve groups showed a negative downward trend in the consumption of drugs from the Access group from 39% (2017) to 30% (2019). There is an increase in consumption of antibiotics from the Watch group from 61% (2017) to 68% (2019) and Reserve from 0.03% to 2.11%,” concluded the speaker.
On November 19, Dr Mereke Taitubayev took part in a round table of the Kazakhstan Interdepartmental Coordination Group on AMR surveillance. The experts discussed the main problematic issues on AMR and the ways to solve them. According to the speaker, the “One Health” is the only approach that can improve cross-sectoral coordination at the national level for the successful implementation of the strategy to reduce the incidence of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms.
WAAW in Uzbekistan
WHO Country Office in Uzbekistan called for the National Conference dedicated to the celebration of WAAW with the participation of stakeholders, including OIE Representative for Central Asia, Dr Mereke Taitubayev, and representatives of the State Committee of Veterinary and Livestock Development.
WHO Representative and Head of Country Office, Dr Lianne Kuppens highlighted that WAAW is a unique annual opportunity to put the spotlight on joint responsibility and make sure that we continue to have the ability to prevent and treat infections now and for future generations. WAAW demonstrates that awareness is important and that action counts, big and small. Whether you are a child washing your hands, a farmer making decisions about livestock health, or a politician making policy, everyone must take responsibility for protecting antimicrobials for the future.
“The “One Health” approach is the only effective instrument to respond to global challenges for the health of people, animals, and the environment today. The current pandemic confirms that the relationship between humans – animals – the environment is evident and how this relationship affects our lives. AMR problems, raised for the first time, within the framework of the “One Health” approach is a priority task, which all stakeholders once again confirmed at the global level. Now it is time for national services to unite to reduce this threat soon,” underlined M. Taitubayev, the OIE Representative for Central Asia. Delegates of the State Committee of Veterinary and Livestock Development also echoed the importance of the “One Health” to tackle AMR.
The European region, raising awareness of the alarming information received related to the inappropriate use of antibiotics during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The approach mobilizes multiple sectors, disciplines, and communities at all levels of society to work together to tackle threats to health and ecosystems, while addressing our collective needs for food, water, energy, and air, acting on climate change, and promoting sustainable development.
Particularly noteworthy is the active position of volunteers from the Student Council of the Tashkent Paediatric Medical Institute. Volunteers have been conducting a targeted communication campaign to raise awareness among the population of Tashkent about the prudent and rational use of antimicrobials. It is necessary to especially highlight the creative approach of future doctors in educating the public, including health lessons in schools, quizzes, interviews, surveys, social media promotion, competitions, and more.
