ANTI-MICROBIAL RESISTANCE

Antimicrobial resistance is the ability of microorganisms to neutralize the effect of drugs produced to defeat them. It is a natural biological phenomenon but lately a variety of factors have contributed to accelerate these defences mechanisms, such as: inappropriate or abuse of therapeutic antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine; poor hygiene and infection prevention measures in healthcare settings and at farm level; or lack of new effective antimicrobial alternatives.

The ineffectiveness of drugs is causing direct severe effects such as longer illness, increased mortality, prolonged stays in hospitals, and lack of drug protection in operations and medical procedures, and increased costs. Combating antimicrobial resistance has become a global public health challenge.

The essence of the One Health approach to tackling AMR is in the understanding that in order to combat AMR appropriately and effectively, concerted collaborative efforts are necessary across the human health, veterinary medicine and environment sectors. It must involve partnerships between those working at the interface of multiple related disciplines, putting together action from veterinarians, physicians, epidemiologists, researchers in public health and ecology, in which reaching a consensus depends on political commitment.

The development of enhanced surveillance systems and prudent use of antimicrobials in human and veterinary medicine are two of the key areas for action of the EU policy against AMR.

At international level, the Union particularly wants to focus on implementation of commitments made on AMR in international fora, including the WHO Global Action Plan on AMR as well as in the WOAH and FAO resolutions. Sustaining political momentum, focusing on next steps and increasing international awareness and cooperation are important components to follow-up.

As one of the largest markets for agricultural products, the EU can play a major role by promoting its standards and measures for addressing AMR with its trade partners. The proposed training will therefore aim at strengthening the EU as 'stronger global actor', and at building on existing relationships and facilitating policy dialogue with the involved countries.

The course addresses the following topics:

• Occurrence factors of AMR in zoonotic and other bacteria with public health importance and general concepts related to AMR. The One Health approach, and impacts of AMR in the world.
• European Commission Action Plan against the rising threats from AMR with focus on its “One Health” approach.
• Overview of the EU legal framework applicable to AMR and the use of antimicrobials.
• Relevant international initiatives and standards in the field of AMR.
• Practical application of EU provisions on monitoring of AMR in zoonotic and other bacterial with public health importance. Discussion of AMR surveillance in the region.
• Commission guidance documents on prudent use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine and in human health.
• Examples of good practices for strategies and actions aimed at promoting and strengthening the prudent use of antimicrobials, including examples of successful private standards or AMR-related policies.
• Discussion of issues related to the emergence, drivers, and perpetuation of AMR in the environment, providing regulatory insight from the EU. The source, pathway, and receptor risk assessment methodology will be discussed regarding AMR in the environment.

The training course is mainly addressed to:

• Decision and policy makers, senior officers from the public health competent authorities.
• Decision and policy makers, senior officers working on veterinary medicinal products at the competent authority.
• Decision and policy makers, senior officers from the primary production of animals intended to be food competent authorities.
• Decision and policy makers, senior officers from the food safety competent authorities.
• Decision and policy makers, senior officers in the area of environmental health and environmental risk assessment.
• Senior officers working in national and/or regional networks related to antimicrobial resistance.
• In the absence of the above, participants could be accepted if they work at public associations or foundations working in the field of combating antimicrobial resistance.