Determining the cause of an infection and applying the correct treatment is not only a key to recovery – it also contributes to the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). To support this, and to strengthen infectious disease control measures in the country, the WHO Country Office in Ukraine has delivered 10 bacteriological analysers and reagents for testing to hospitals and regional centres for disease control and prevention in Ukraine.
The use of bacteriological analysers in laboratories significantly increases the quality of results of microbiological research to determine the cause of an infectious disease or complication, and to prescribe the right treatment to the patient.
In addition to the devices, 1200 sets of test kits will be provided to laboratories in Ukraine. This will allow for the testing of 24 000 samples at the initial stages of using the devices in laboratory work.
“We are delighted to provide these high-quality devices for testing, which should help health-care workers to find the best way to treat patients and to decrease misuse of antimicrobials,” said Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine.
“The use of high-quality and powerful microbiological laboratories is a key element of the AMR surveillance system, which, in turn, is an integral part of the National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Ukraine.”
This donation is part of WHO’s support to Ukraine to set up a national AMR surveillance network within the Central Asian and European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (CAESAR) network. This will improve the accuracy and speed of pathogen identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and provide a better understanding of the burden of AMR in the country.
WHO will deliver the bacteriological analysers, along with their consumables, to 7 regions in Ukraine. European Union Humanitarian Aid provided financial support for the project.
What are antimicrobials?
Antimicrobials, which include antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals, are medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals and plants. WHO has identified AMR as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.
Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant pathogens. The cost of AMR to the economy is significant. In addition to death and disability, prolonged illness related to AMR results in longer hospital stays, the need for more expensive medicines and financial challenges for those impacted.