Open AccessThailand's national strategic plan on antimicrobial resistance: progress and challenges
Author(s) -
Nithima Sumpradit,
Suriya Wongkongkathep,
Kumthorn Malathum,
Noppavan Janejai,
Wantana Paveenkittiporn,
Thitipong Yingyong,
Teerasak Chuxnum,
Amornrat Vijitleela,
Phairam Boonyarit,
Chutima Akaleephan,
Weerawat Manosuthi,
Varaporn Thienthong,
Julaporn Srinha,
Supaporn Wongsrichai,
Thitiporn Laoprasert,
Pornpimon Athipunyakom,
Nathaya Kriengchaiyaprug,
Kingdao Intarukdach,
Sukanya Numsawad,
Nuntiya Somjetanakul,
Sirima Punnin,
Niyada KiatyingAngsulee
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
bulletin of the world health organization
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.459
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1564-0604
pISSN - 0042-9686
DOI - 10.2471/blt.20.280644
Subject(s) - antibiotic resistance , strategic planning , resistance (ecology) , medicine , business , biology , antibiotics , microbiology and biotechnology , marketing , ecology
Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat that affects all countries. The Global Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance and the United Nations Political Declaration on antimicrobial resistance set standards for countries to resolve antimicrobial resistance challenges under the One Health approach. We assess progress and challenges in implementing Thailand's national strategic plan on antimicrobial resistance 2017-2022, discuss interim outcomes and share lessons learnt. Major progress includes: establishing a national governance mechanism that leads high-impact policy on antimicrobial resistance and consolidates actions and multisectoral collaboration; creating a monitoring system and platform to track implementation of the strategic plan; and converting strategies of the strategic plan into actions such as controlling the distribution and use of antimicrobials in humans and animals. Interim results indicate that antimicrobial consumption in animals has nearly halved (exceeding the national goal of a 30% reduction) whereas other goals have not yet reached their targets. We have learnt that elevating antimicrobial resistance to high-level visibility and establishing a national governance mechanism is an important first step, and a monitoring and evaluation system should be developed in parallel with implementation. Securing funds is crucial. Policy coherence is needed to avoid duplication of actions. Highly ambitious goals, although yet to be achieved, can advance actions beyond expectations. Political commitment and collaboration across different sectors will continue to play important roles but might not be sustained without a well-designed governance structure to support long-term actions to address antimicrobial resistance.