@FAO/Sadewa

Jakarta (6 May, 2019) - When you are sick, you may need medication. Same goes for the livestock, whose products you might consume. But not all diseases, either in humans or animals need to be treated with antibiotics. Inappropriate use of antibiotics can make bacteria resistant. When antibiotics are no longer effective in treating disease antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has arrived. Recent estimates suggest that the human fatality rate related to antimicrobial resistance could reach 10 million per year by 2050 if urgent action is not immediately taken. So, what can we do to prevent more losses from AMR?

The Indonesian Government has taken a positive step by reviewing the implementation of the 2017-2019 Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan (NAP), which is a follow up from the Global Action Plan that was issued after AMR was first brought to the attention of the United Nations General Assembly in 2016.

"Antimicrobial resistance is a cross-sectoral problem that requires the collaboration of different parties. This Indonesian AMR Action Plan was prepared by five ministries, namely the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Finance. During its implementation, additional Institutions are also involved, especially in increasing public awareness," says Drh. Ni Made Ria Isriyanthi, PhD, Head of the Sub-directorate of Veterinary Drugs Control, in her speech on behalf of the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services, Ministry of Agriculture.

Dr. Hari Paraton, Chair of the Ministry of Health's Antimicrobial Resistance Control Committee adds further, "Controlling AMR is not just the obligation of a country, but responds to the needs of a country. Therefore, we must have a plan to act that involves multi-sectoral actors." He also explains that the danger of AMR is a global health issue whose impact has already been seen in Indonesia.

Dr. Klara Tisocki, WHO Regional Advisor for Southeast Asia applauded the 2017-19 AMR National Action Plan. "This Action Plan includes five broad and comprehensive objectives. In the next phase, Indonesia might want to focus and prioritise some of the work needed to accelerate progress," says Tisocki. These five strategic objectives are (1) increase public awareness and understanding; (2) strengthen surveillance systems; (3) reduce and prevent infections (4) optimize the use of antimicrobials; and (5) ensure sustainable investments in new health technologies to combat AMR

Throughout the evaluation meeting that took place on 2-3 May in Jakarta, representatives from seven ministries and agencies discussed what activities had been carried out, challenges faced and made recommendations for the new 2020-2024 NAP on AMR control. The meeting was supported by FAO, WHO and funded by USAID.

Ministries and government institutions have carried out various activities, although the measurement of their impact needs to be strengthened. Some of these achievements should be highlighted especially, the Minister of Agriculture Regulation No, 14/2017 which prohibits the use of antibiotics as livestock growth promoters, raising the awareness of the public, academics and health workers through the GEMA CERMAT campaign and collaboration with 11 Indonesian Faculties of Veterinary Medicine.

Responding to the results of this evaluation, Dr. James McGrane, Team Leader of the FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (FAO ECTAD Indonesia) calls for immediate action to control AMR. "Various studies have been carried out both at global and national levels, now it's time for us to focus on actions and solutions. Animal and human health workers who serve at the front line of antimicrobial usage must promote the prudent use of antibiotics, while the community and farmers must seek advice from health care workers. "

The full report on estimate number of deaths because of AMR is accessible at https://amr-review.org/sites/default/files/160525_Final%20paper_with%20cover.pdf