The growing problem of antimicrobial resistance is threatening to undermine the advances achieved through priority health programs including tuberculosis, malaria, acute respiratory infections, sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS, by rendering currently available treatments ineffective.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the result of an increased exposure of microorganisms to antimicrobial medicines and the subsequent development of survival mechanisms in these microorganisms. The consequences of AMR include an increase in mortality, morbidity and in the cost of health care worldwide.
There are many factors that contribute to the development of AMR, but among the major contributors from a public health perspective are—
- the unnecessary use of antimicrobials for common conditions
- the use of inappropriate doses of the antimicrobials in cases when they are required
- the proliferation of poor quality or substandard medicines
The implication is that new strategies and more resources for second-line medicines may be needed in the near future for these highly prevalent diseases as conventional treatments fail.
In response to this growing AMR challenge, USAID LAC has proposed a sub-regional strategy for the Andean countries and Paraguay, called the South American Infectious Disease Initiative (SAIDI).
The general objective of this initiative is to contain the emergence and spread of AMR by improving the availability and the use of antimicrobials of assured quality. Thus, the central focus of SAIDI is rational use of antimicrobials and AMR control, with a special emphasis on preventing the emergence of MDR-TB.
Since 2004, RPM Plus has been working with the other SAIDI international partners—
Together, they have been working with national counterparts in Bolivia, Peru and Paraguay to create a new, evidence-based and stepwise approach to local solutions for containing AMR. This approach considers the factors contributing to AMR within the context of existing systems and not in isolation, and thereby takes advantage of the interaction among stakeholders.
To date, national working AMR working groups have been formed in Peru and Paraguay and partners have been identified in Bolivia. These groups, in conjunction with SAIDI international partners, have conducted various assessment activities which lead to a holistic local view of the factors contributing to AMR. Based on the results of these assessments, national partners developed action plans to address the problem areas identified.
Related Information
» Previous RPM Plus activities
» More on RPM Plus' work in TB
» More on RPM Plus' work in Malaria
