Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major threat to human medicine, veterinary medicine and food security. Antimicrobials play a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. However, overuse and misuse can lead to increased AMR and significant public health risk. Working in Papua New Guinea (PNG), this project aims to develop the first national antimicrobial guidelines with broad stakeholder consultation and local engagement.
In August 2019, in line with the Global Action Plan on AMR, the Government of Papua New Guinea endorsed their National Action Plan on AMR 2019–2023.
The plan contains Strategic Objective 5, which strengthens access to antimicrobial medicines. It includes the development of antimicrobial guidelines for human use, aligning antimicrobial use with best evidence. The development of an antimicrobial prescribing guideline is another critical component.
These guidelines will address gaps and complement other investments in AMR and antimicrobial stewardship in PNG.
The new guidelines will:
The project aims to:
1 July 2022–31 December 2024.
To develop the guidelines, Burnet partnered with the Australian Therapeutics Guidelines. Born from broad stakeholder consultation and engagement, the guidelines will be locally relevant and locally owned.
The project brings together experts from PNG and Australia. This expertise covers:
The project also consults and works with representatives from:
National antimicrobial guidelines can have a significant impact on the community.
They provide healthcare professionals with clear guidance on the appropriate use of antibiotics. This includes when to prescribe them, as well as which antibiotics to use and for how long.
They provide evidence-based recommendations on the most effective antibiotics treatment for different infections. This reduces the risk of treatment failure, helping to improve patient and public health outcomes.
Promoting judicious, targeted antibiotics use, the guidelines help reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance, a growing public health concern.