AMR-One Health

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health security threat, complicating efforts to fight diseases like HIV, malaria and tuberculosis. Microbes that have developed medicine resistance (‘superbugs’) cause drug-resistant infections contributing to nearly 5 million deaths annually. Our AMR response focuses on strengthening public health systems in our region.

Our aim is to improve our region’s response to the growing global health security threat of antimicrobial resistance. We work with governments, national AMR committees and public health counterparts across the region, supporting national AMR action plans and priorities. 

Our work contains four key themes.

Infection prevention and control

Through training and mentoring, we establish relevant policies and procedures for monitoring selected healthcare-associated infections.

AMR response

We train and mentor in stewardship for monitoring antibiotic use, managing antimicrobial stewardship and responding to emerging issues.

AMR laboratory capacity and surveillance

We offer training, mentoring and support to: 

• improve AMR detection
• undertake surveillance of the World Health Organization’s priority AMR pathogens
• establish efficient referral pathways for AMR pathogens.

One Health approach

We embrace a One Health approach. This recognises that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment. 

We therefore conduct cross-sectoral surveillance of AMR and antimicrobial use across human and animal health.