18 December, 2017
An inter-ministerial committee called the One Health workgroup was launched in January 2017 to spearhead the national effort to combat antimicrobial resistance ("AMR").
AMR refers to the phenomenon where microbes are increasingly resistant to drugs due to overuse of medication like antibiotics. The implications of AMR are dire. If antibiotics are no longer effective, even simple infections could be fatal.
In November, Senior Minister of State for Health and Transport Lam Pin Min launched the group's National Strategic Action Plan on AMR. The plan aims to educate the public to minimise use of antibiotics. For example, the public will be taught that antibiotics do not work against viral infections (such as the flu) and simple steps like maintaining personal hygiene.
The plan also will see One Health agencies working with professionals and the industry. Industry players, such as farmers, manufacturers, distributors and pet owners, will be taught the proper use of antimicrobials, and the proper disposal of antimicrobial waste to prevent spread of resistance. Additionally, standardised data reporting of resistant drugs, surveillance of drug-resistant organisms in food, and maintaining high levels of hygiene will be encouraged. It is important to educate industry players too as resistance can develop along the food chain or through waste water containing traces of antibiotics.
Dr Lam also highlighted the importance of the integration of various national agencies, as well as international collaboration in our fight against AMR.
For more information, you can read the full articles here and here.
For further information, please contact:
Andy Leck, Principal, Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow
andy.leck@bakermckenzie.com
