National Action Plan of the Islamic Republic of Iran for combating antimicrobial resistance
Antimicrobial agents and drugs are valuable resources that are used every day around the world to treat infections in humans and animals. They save millions of lives in the world each year. However, with the emergence of strains resistant to the antimicrobial agents and drugs, the efficacy of these valuable resources has decreased, and they have become a public health threat which cause economic losses. As a result, from the perspective of the World Health Organization, antimicrobial resistance has become one of the most important public health issues. Therefore, the WHO have invited the countries around the world to work together to inhibit antimicrobial resistance; thus, in the World Health Assembly (May 2014), the WHO adopted a resolution to develop a global action plan for tackling antimicrobial resistance. The WHO expects that by 2017 all the member states prepare a national document for combating antimicrobial resistance based on the suggested framework. In line with this goal, the Islamic Republic of Iran has prepared a national document for combating antimicrobial resistance. For the preparation of this national document, the literature and strategic plans for the inhibition of resistance designed by pioneer countries were reviewed and the views of the experts and key stakeholders in the field of antimicrobial resistance were obtained. As a result, this document reflects the opinions and views of experts and key stakeholders working in the fields of human health, animal health, agriculture, and food production in Iran. In addition, this document supports the regional and global efforts to inhibit antimicrobial resistance. This document covers five main objectives, including:
1. Raise public awareness and promote the trainings and educations for professional groups
2. Monitor antimicrobial resistance continuously, monitor the use of medications and antimicrobial drugs, and identify the signs of change and the expansion of antimicrobial resistance
3. Prevent the spread of microorganisms resistant to antimicrobial agents and drugs via implementing appropriate control and prevention programs
4. Promote the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents and drugs in the fields of health care, livestock production and poultry farming and aquaculture
5. Promote research and development activities in the field of antimicrobial resistance
After designing and implementing operational plans for this national document in the country, this action plan is expected to provide a proper response for combating antimicrobial resistance.
