Qatar will soon have a national action plan to address the increasing antimicrobial drug resistance that is taking its toll on human health and health care resources worldwide.
The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) yesterday announced the initiation of a draft national action plan to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR), through “One Health” approach.
The ministry held a scientific seminar that brought in 120 experts from MoPH, World Health Organisation (WHO), various health care facilities here apart from officials from livestock and agriculture departments of Ministry of Municipality and Environment, and the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.
“The seminar is the basic part for having a successful national action plan for AMR. Globally, new anti-microbial drug production is struggling to keep-up with the escalating drug resistant microbes,” said Sheikh Dr Mohammed Al Thani, Director of Public Health, MoPH.
AMR happens when microorganisms change in ways that render the medications used to cure the infections they cause, ineffective. Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as “superbugs”. This is a major concern because a resistant microbe can kill, spread, and imposes huge costs on individuals and society. The scientific seminar stressed on having a “One Health” approach to counter AMR. One Health is a collaborative effort of multiple disciplines — working locally, nationally and globally — to attain optimal health of humans, animals and the environment. This is because antimicrobials used to treat various infectious diseases in animals or used in agriculture may be similar to those used in humans.
Antimicrobial resistance is facilitated by the inappropriate use of medicines. Lack of government commitment to address these issues, poor surveillance and a diminishing arsenal of tools to diagnose, treat and prevent also hinder the control of antimicrobial drug resistance.
AMR is putting strain on healthcare sector globally, with increased cost of health care, lengthier stays in hospitals and need of more intensive care. Since AMR is a complex problem that affects all, coordinated action is required to minimize the emergence and spread of AMR. So, all countries need national action plans on AMR.
The draft is one of the initial stages of having a national programme to address AMR in Qatar, which is in tune with the World Health Organisation’s global action plan on AMR.
The National Plan requires implementation of a comprehensive set of laws, technical and regulatory measures at both national and community levels. The plan is in accord with the recommendations adopted by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in this regard.
The Seminar featured lectures by WHO and local experts who showcased generl perspective of the problem in the region and the steps needed to be taken. Lectures also emphasised that resistance is increasing and any breakout of dangerous diseases can paralyse the health authorities worldwide, as it is difficult to control and regulate new diseases.
