The unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can be reduced when human and animal health professionals work together with their patients, clients and communities toward this common objective. This was the conclusion drawn by a national workshop, jointly held by two ministries (Federal Ministry of Health and Ministry of Animal Resources) of the Government of Sudan, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) on reviewing the results of a project. Fifty-three participants gathered in Khartoum on 25 February 2020 to discuss Tailoring Antimicrobial Resistance Programs (TAP), a multi-faceted project that reduced the improper use of antimicrobials for both people and animals by working with those who prescribe, dispense and purchase antimicrobials.

Conducted in Gezira State from January 2018 until December 2019, the project succeeded by raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promoting prudent antimicrobial use in local primary healthcare settings, farming communities and pharmacies.

The project was implemented in four phases: situation analysis, behaviour analysis, pre- and post-implementation assessments among different stakeholders within the human and animal sectors, followed by the evaluation process for these used interventions. The TAP interventions addressed barriers and motivators for behaviour change towards reducing the unnecessary prescription or administration, the demand from patients or clients, and the dispensing practices of antimicrobials in pharmacies.

The project aligns with Sudan’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, which focuses on mitigating AMR by raising awareness through effective communication, education and training at local level.

Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) and Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries (MOARF), who took part in the workshop, expressed their strong commitment to the fight against the emergence and spread of AMR in the Sudan.

The workshop included a wide participation of officials from different Sudanese bodies, such as, the National Health Insurance Fund, Khartoum Ministry of Health, National Medical Supply Fund, National Medicine and Poison Board, National Public Health Laboratory, Central Veterinary Research Laboratory and Surveillance Unit at the FMOH.

FAO supports the food and agriculture sectors in implementing the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance in Sudan through the Fleming Fund project to minimize the impact of AMR.

Read more: http://www.fao.org/sudan/en/