Implementing a National Action Plan to Combat AMR in Pakistan With Afreenish Amir

In the podcast episode “Implementing a National Action Plan to Combat AMR in Pakistan” from the American Society for Microbiology’s Meet the Microbiologist series, Dr. Afreenish Amir, AMR Project Director at Pakistan’s National Institute of Health, discusses the country’s efforts to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Key Points:

• Rising AMR in Pakistan: Dr. Amir highlights a significant increase in extensively drug-resistant typhoid cases, from 18% in 2017 to 60% in 2021, and notes the prevalence of cholera. Factors contributing to AMR include overcrowded hospitals, inadequate infection control, poor waste management, and the availability of antibiotics without prescriptions.

• National Action Plan (NAP): Pakistan’s NAP, developed with a One Health approach, aims to promote rational antimicrobial use, enhance surveillance, and improve infection control practices across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. The plan emphasizes the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders and sectors.

• Surveillance and Education: The National Institute of Health initiated a standardized surveillance program in 2017, aligning with the Global Antimicrobial Use and Surveillance System. Additionally, Dr. Amir mentions the development of LearnAMR.com, an online platform offering educational modules on AMR, bacteriology, and related topics to support capacity building.

• Global Perspective: Dr. Amir underscores that AMR is not confined by borders, citing the interconnectedness of countries through travel and trade. She draws parallels between the spread of AMR and the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to combat AMR effectively.