Action plan to tackle threat of antimicrobial resistance on all fronts

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The High-level Steering Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance has endorsed in principle the Hong Kong Strategy and Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance to tackle the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to public health and related issues in Hong Kong on all fronts.

Under a "One Health" framework, the Steering Committee has considered the recommendations proposed by the Expert Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance and has taken into consideration human and animal health as well as environmental health in formulating the holistic Action Plan, which proposes recommendations in six key areas as follows:

Strengthen knowledge through surveillance and research;
Optimise use of antimicrobials in humans and animals;
Reduce incidence of infection in humans and animals through effective sanitation, hygiene and preventive measures;
Improve community awareness and understanding of AMR through effective communication, education and training;
Promote research on AMR; and
Strengthen partnerships and foster engagement of relevant stakeholders.

The Action Plan is drawn up based on the Global Action Plan of the World Health Organization. It has also made reference to the experience of other jurisdictions where applicable. At its last meeting, the Steering Committee considered and discussed the recommendations proposed by the Expert Committee.

"AMR is now a burning health issue across the globe, including in Hong Kong. I would like to express my gratitude to the Chairman of the Expert Committee, Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, and other experts and academics for their efforts and advice. They have reviewed the local situation in the light of international practices, trends and developments and provided valuable expert advice on various fronts to the Steering Committee," the Chairman of the Steering Committee and the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, said today (June 23).

Dr Ko added that, to address local AMR comprehensively, efforts made by the Government and specialist sectors such as healthcare, agriculture and academia were not sufficient. Concerted efforts of the society as a whole are crucial.

To tackle the threat posed by AMR, the Government set up the Steering Committee in June 2016 with representatives from relevant departments, public and private hospitals, healthcare organisations, academia and relevant professional bodies. Drawing reference from the "One Health" framework, the Steering Committee, based on the science-based advice provided by the Expert Committee, formulates strategies and oversees implementation of the Action Plan. Members of the Expert Committee include local and overseas experts and academics in the fields of human and veterinary medicine, microbiology, public health, pharmacology and the agricultural industry. The full version of the Action Plan is expected to be available in July this year.

Ends/Friday, June 23, 2017
Issued at HKT 14:30

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