“An overview” 10th April 2018 at MOH SMT Now 27th April 2018 at NPHIL National Action Plan for the Prevention and Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance in Liberia “An overview” 10th April 2018 at MOH SMT Now 27th April 2018 at NPHIL Rev. Tijli Tarty Tyee, Sr. Chief Pharmacist, R. L. and Team Lead, AMR

Outline Background on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) What is it? Why it is important? Global Action Plan (GAP) Global antimicrobial surveillance system (GLASS) Status of AMR activities in Liberia National Action Plan (NAP) for AMR Focal point for AMR and GLASS, Legislative Trends Next steps

Definitions and categorization Antimicrobial resistance is the ability of a microorganism (like bacteria, viruses, and some parasites) to stop an antimicrobial (such as antibiotics, antivirals and antimalarials) from working against it (WHO, 2015). Types of AMR: 1. Antibacterial resistance (e.g. to antibiotics) 2. Antiviral resistance (e.g. to anti-HIV medicines) 3. Antiparasitic resistance (e.g. to anti-malaria medicines) 4. Antifungal resistance (e.g. to medicines for Candidiasis)

Background on AMR For the past few decades, AMR has been a growing threat to effective treatment. AMR results in reduced efficacy of antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral and antifungal drugs, making the treatment of patients difficult, costly or even impossible. The impact is felt particularly by vulnerable patients, as it can result in prolonged illness and increased mortality.

Global Response to combat AMR In continuing the response to this serious public health issue, a Global Action Plan (GAP) on AMR was drafted. At the 68th World Health Assembly in 2015, Member States adopted a resolution to implement the GAP. Member States agreed on the importance of developing national action plans (NAPs) aligned with the GAP and incorporating the same five strategic objectives One objective of the resolution is to ensure that all Member States have a national action plan in place by May 2017

AMR NAP process in Liberia “One Health Platform” launched with AMR pillar AMR Technical Working Group established Country Situational Analysis conducted Strategic objectives developed Operational plan developed and costed M & E framework developed Draft AMR NAP

Draft NAP for AMR

NAP for AMR Strategic Objectives Improve awareness and understanding of AMR through education and training; Strengthen knowledge and evidence base through surveillance; Reduce the incidence of infection through effective sanitation, hygiene and IPC measures; Optimize the use of antimicrobial medicines in human and animal health; Ensure sustainable investment through research and development.

Other ongoing AMR activities As per global recommendation, Liberia identified the AMR & GLASS focal person: Rev. Tijli Tarty Tyee, Sr. Chief Pharmacist, Republic of Liberia Developed statement on amending the Public Health Law to include the “Keep Antimicrobial Effective” Legislation Developed protocol for the implementation of surgical site infection pilot at Redemption Hospital

Global antimicrobial surveillance system (GLASS) GLASS is a system that enables standardized global reporting of official national AMR data and it objectives are to: Foster national surveillance systems and harmonize global standards; Estimate the extent of AMR globally by monitoring selected indicators; Collect surveillance data needed to inform and estimate AMR burden; Routinely analyze and report global data on AMR; Detect emerging resistance and its international spread; Assess the impact of interventions;

Next steps Circulate the draft AMR NAP for inputs of key stakeholders (1 week turnaround time) Re-establish AMR weekly technical working group meeting under the One Health Platform AMR NAP validation (30th April 2018) Collaborate with laboratory unit at MoH/NPHIL/WHO and partners to collect data on the current status of the national AMR surveillance and GLASS implementation

Acknowledgements All key stakeholders & relevant sectors (human and animal health, agriculture, food security, environment) Partners: FAO USAID OIE MPCHS ACCEL WHO CDC

Thank you !