Gov't Implements Holistic Program to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
Jakarta. The government will implement a holistic program involving five ministries to address the increasing risk of antimicrobial resistance in humans and animals.
The program, "One Health," will involve the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Maritime and Fisheries, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, and Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs to address the risks antimicrobial resistance poses to animal-human ecosystems and food security.
The five ministries are currently working on a national action plan adapted from the 2015 Global Action Plan of the World Health Organization (WHO), Organization of Animal Health (OIE) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
"The national action plan is going to be complete by May," Maura Linda Sitanggang, director general of pharmacy and medical equipment at the Health Ministry, said in a press conference on Thursday (16/03).
The national action plan is expected to strengthen regulatory frameworks and financing for antimicrobial resistance control programs, as well as provisions to support local agencies that combat zoonotic and pandemic diseases.
The Health Ministry will lead the program.
FAO assistant director general Kundhavi Kadiresan said that the government's political commitment to the program will be vital to its success.
"The ministries need to have a common understanding and shared goals. They also need to show willingness to share information among themselves," Kundhavi said.
Antimicrobial resistance is a leading concern for global health security.
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