The global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized as an urgent problem. Misuse of antimicrobial medicines, poor or non-existent infection control programs, limited laboratory capacity and regulations to assure adequate use are common contributors of the situation. The antibiotic stewardship programs (ASP) have effectively reduced over-prescription and misuse of antibiotics with a substantial reduction of direct and indirect healthcare costs.
The Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance for the Americas was adopted by the Pan American Health Organization’s Directing Council in 2015. Optimization of the use of antimicrobial medicines in humans include the implementation and provision of stewardship programs (ASP) that monitor and promote optimization of antimicrobial use at national and local levels, in accordance with international standards in order to ensure the correct choice of medicine at the right dose on the basis of evidence.
The Global Health Consortium (GHC) is committed to contribute in the development and the implementation of guidelines of ASP programs in Latin America and the Caribbean region to optimize both inpatient and ambulatory antimicrobial prescription practices.
*All material produced during the workshop will be made available public at a later date.