The Strategy and Action Plan for the Prevention and Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance is a national multisectoral plan of Malta for the period 2020 – 2028. Its main objective is to s to provide a plan of action for Malta, designed to ensure the efficacy of antibiotics for the long term. This focuses on the appropriate use of antibiotics and minimising the development and spread of AMR, thereby improving Human and Animal Health. The overall objectives of the Plan are: 1. Review current relevant legislation to strengthen governance to prevent and counteract AMR and address the gaps in legislation and regulation to ensure leadership, engagement and accountability for actions to combat antimicrobial resistance. 2. Implement effective One Health antimicrobial stewardship practices across Human and Animal Health settings to ensure the appropriate and prudent prescribing, dispensing and administering of antimicrobials. 3. Develop nationally coordinated One Health surveillance of AMR and antimicrobial usage. 4. Improve infection prevention and control measures across Human Health and Animal Health settings to help prevent infections and the spread of AMR. 5. Increase awareness and understanding of the use of antibiotics to treat and prevent infections through education and training. 6. Agree on a national research agenda and promote investment to prevent, detect and contain antimicrobial resistance. 7. Strengthen international partnerships and collaboration on regional and global efforts to respond to AMR. The Strategy provides a framework to guide actions on AMR and use of antibiotics. It supports a collaborative effort through a One Health Approach and coordinates activities across stakeholder groups where all stakeholders must work under the Strategy to change those practices that are contributing to the inappropriate use of antibiotics and the increasing development of resistance in Malta. The Strategy aims to build on the current strengths and address areas where deficits have been identified for each objective. In order to achieve full implementation of the Strategy, a number of pre-requisites (such as improved legislation and adequate infrastructure that enhances enforcement, electronic prescribing) are required. The Strategy will be regularly reviewed and updated so that it remains reflective of the work that is underway, and action plans for the future. The review Dates are set for 2023 and 2026.
Malta · 2020-01-01