HUMANS and animals will be better protected from the immediate global threat of antimicrobial resistance under the Australian Government's new National plan, developed in partnership with health professionals, research communities, veterinarians and agricultural industries, the Health Department announced.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce and the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Sussan Ley, announced the implementation of the National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Strategy 2015-2019 last week, developed with a commitment of $9.4 million in funding from the 2016/17 Budget.
Ley said this funding will continue work already being done around AMR research and education.
"Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, parasites and other disease-causing organisms become resistant to the medicines used to treat the infections they cause," she said.
"A particular focus will be Australia's high use of antibiotics in general practice, which is 20% above the OECD average.
"Bringing prescribing rates down is critical, as high antibiotic use is the number one driver of the increasing resistance to antimicrobials."
The new plan is described as a "One Health" approach in recognition of the fact that human, animal and ecosystem health are inextricably linked, meaning the AMR battle demands attention to all impacting factors.
CLICK HERE to access the AMR Strategy plan document.
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