Minimizing the threats posed by microbial drug resistance
In a concerted effort to combat one of the top 10 global public health threats, New Zealand is taking significant steps to reduce the risks posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The country's approach involves a collaborative One Health strategy and robust antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs).
AMR, responsible for at least 1.27 million deaths worldwide and nearly 5 million deaths in 2019, is a much wider issue, requiring experts to work across the animal-human-environment interface. The One Health approach, championed by the New Zealand Government, requires cooperation between human, animal, and environmental health professionals, as well as professionals in other areas of expertise.
The One Health approach aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems, recognizing their interdependence. In New Zealand, this translates to improved water management to reduce infectious disease risks and prevent exposure to antibiotic resistance.
The New Zealand Government's efforts against AMR are evident in the New Zealand Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan, published in 2017. The plan outlines key recommendations, one of which is the implementation of ASPs. These programs are designed to manage antimicrobial use effectively, with multidisciplinary teams of physicians and pharmacists as co-leaders.
The ASPs also involve developing guidelines for restricted antimicrobial use, collaborating with Pharmacy and Therapeutics committees to maintain appropriate antibiotic formularies, generating and analyzing antimicrobial use metrics, and ensuring proper microbial susceptibility testing. Providing ongoing education and information on antimicrobial use and resistance to healthcare professionals is also critical.
In the animal sector, New Zealand has a very low use of antibiotics compared to other countries, and antibiotics can only be used in animals if prescribed by a veterinarian. Antibiotics are not used as growth promoters, and many animals are farmed extensively.
To further reduce the risk of resistant bacteria developing, it's important to always follow a vet's advice when treating animals. If prescribed antibiotics, it's crucial to take them as directed and dispose of any leftovers properly.
Vaccination for both humans and pets can help keep everyone healthy and reduce the need for antibiotics. Washing hands regularly and maintaining good hygiene can also help prevent AMR. It's important to note that antibiotics do not work for viruses like colds or flu.
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, a global campaign, aims to improve awareness and understanding of AMR and encourage best practices. The Infectious Disease and Antimicrobial Resistance report from The Office of the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor has a series of recommendations to help New Zealand unite against these threats.
The recommendations emphasize the importance of a One Health approach, robust ASPs, and ongoing education and awareness. By working together, New Zealand is taking significant strides towards minimizing the impact of AMR, ensuring a healthier future for all.
[1] Infectious Disease and Antimicrobial Resistance report by the Prime Minister's Chief Science Adviser [2] The One Health approach as a strategy to reduce the emergence of new resistance strains in New Zealand.
- The Infectious Disease and Antimicrobial Resistance report by the Prime Minister's Chief Science Adviser highlights the significance of medical-conditions related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the importance of a One Health approach for health-and-wellness, particularly in the context of therapies-and-treatments such as antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) and vaccination.
- The New Zealand Government's antimicrobial resistance (AMR) action plan, as well as the One Health approach, underscores the need for experts in various fields to collaborate in addressing AMR, thus involving medical-conditions, health-and-wellness, and therapies-and-treatments, including the management of antimicrobial use, development of guidelines, education, and vaccination.
