M. Waqar Bhatti
Islamabad: Self-medication among over 51% of the population, rampant prescriptions by unqualified practitioners, the availability of over-the-counter antibiotics, and inappropriate prescribing practices are the major contributing factors behind rising Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and the emergence of drug-resistant infectious diseases in Pakistan.
These factors have resulted in growing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and emergence of drug resistant infectious diseases like XDR Typhoid, MDR TB, Urinary Tract Infections and Sepsis among others.
Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSRC) provided these insights at National Assembly session today in response to a query from Parliamentarian Tahira Aurangzeb.
The rising trend in resistance to broad-spectrum antibiotics has raised alarms, prompting the establishment of the National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Surveillance System by the National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad.
This system encompasses a network of public and private sector laboratories and health facilities that share data on antibiotic use and resistance, reported annually to the WHO Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) since 2017.
To combat this increasing threat, the Pakistani government has prioritized AMR containment in its National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS). The NIH has been designated as the National Focal Point for AMR, tasked with coordinating and overseeing the implementation of AMR strategies and initiatives.
The government has fully endorsed the Global Action Plan for AMR, adopted during the 68th World Health Assembly (WHA), which aims to ensure the effective treatment and prevention of infectious diseases with quality-assured medicines used responsibly and made accessible to all.
Pakistan’s National AMR Strategic Framework has been developed through a consultative process, following a “One Health” approach. This framework aligns with the WHO’s five strategic objectives for combating AMR, ensuring national ownership and stakeholder commitment to combatting the crisis effectively.
The first National Action Plan (NAP) emphasizes preserving the effectiveness of current antimicrobials, minimizing costs associated with their misuse, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. It is designed to minimize antibiotic utilization across hospitals nationwide.
To support these efforts, the Ministry of NHSRC collaborates with various organizations and professional societies to implement initiatives such as integrated AMR surveillance, antibiotic stewardship programs, and antimicrobial consumption monitoring.
The establishment of National Reference Labs for AMR in both human health and the livestock sector has been made possible through support from the Fleming Fund. Additionally, a pilot project focusing on Healthcare Associated Infections Surveillance is currently being conducted in six tertiary care hospitals across Pakistan.
A significant investment in the AMR response has been approved, with a PC-1 project worth Rs. 361.9 million allocated for three years, set to be implemented until June 2025. This funding aims to enhance laboratory diagnostics related to AMR and bolster Pakistan’s overall response to this escalating public health threat.
By addressing the critical causes of antibiotic resistance and implementing comprehensive strategies, Pakistan seeks to mitigate the growing challenge of AMR and safeguard public health.
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