This National Strategy and Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2017-2020 is a multi-sectoral policy document. The overall goal is: to ensure the continuity of the ability to treat and prevent infectious diseases through the effective and safe used of quality-assured medicines, used in a responsible way by those who need them. The Action Plan has five strategic objectives: 1. Improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance through effective communication, education, and training; 2. Strengthen the knowledge and evidence base through surveillance and research; 3. Reduce the incidence of infection through effective sanitation, hygiene, and infection prevention measures; 4. Optimise the use of antimicrobial medicines in human and animal health; 5. Develop the economic case for sustainable investments that takes account of needs of all countries, and increase investment of new medicines, diagnostic tools, vaccines, and other interventions. The Objectives under the Strategic Objective One include: Identify clear terminology on AMR which can be used and understood by all; Conduct regular nationwide awareness campaigns on AMR with the aim of changing general practices, behaviours, and perceptions as it relates to antimicrobials and their use by consumers, as well as those directly involved in human health, animal health, and agriculture; etc. The Objectives under the Strategic Objective Two include: Fill gaps in knowledge as it relates to the incidence, prevalence, and drivers of AMR in human and animal populations, as well as in the environment; Ensure key players understand how resistance develops and spreads, and how it can circulate within and between humans and animals, as well as through food, water, and the environment; etc. The Objectives under the Strategic Objective Three include: Continue to promote strong hygiene practices and infection prevention measures such as hand washing; Continue to promote and educate the general public regarding food preparation and water safety; Strengthen, and continue to advocate for and encourage the use of appropriate vaccination as an infection prevention measure; etc. The Objectives under the Strategic Objective Four include: Educate clinicians, veterinarians, and pharmacists in order to eliminate unnecessary dispensing of antimicrobial, and hence increase their longevity; Continue to place restrictions on non-therapeutic use of antibiotics within agriculture; Maintain high levels of inspection vigilance at borders for the illegal/non-judicious importation of antimicrobial medicines/ products; etc. The Objectives under the Strategic Objective Five include: Via the AMR national action plan development working group (NAPDWG), continue to implement, execute, coordinate, and lobby for antimicrobial resistance activities; Link the national antimicrobial resistance action plan to existing strategic plans from all sectors; Ensure a dedicated secretariat and budget exist for the AMR working group; etc.
Cayman Islands (UK) · 2017-05-01