A national survey in Kyrgyzstan aims to provide critical insights into the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the country, evaluate its effects on public health and the economy, and develop strategies to contain its spread. AMR is a growing global challenge, rendering conventional antibiotics less effective and compromising essential medical treatments. By launching the first national survey of its kind globally, Kyrgyzstan is taking proactive steps to protect its population and setting a global example in the fight against AMR.
The results of the survey to assess the prevalence, health, and economic impact of AMR in human bloodstream bacterial infections will inform evidence-based policies and interventions to mitigate the negative impacts of AMR and enhance clinical protocols for managing patients with bloodstream infections.
WHO collaboration
Ministers, the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan, development partners, foreign embassies, various ministries and agencies, health-care workers, WHO experts, and members of professional associations were represented at the launch event in Bishkek, the capital, in June 2024. WHO supported the survey with over $300 000 in equipment and diagnostic tools and provided extensive training for personnel from 40 hospitals across Kyrgyzstan as well as staff from 3 central reference laboratories and their affiliated institutions, ensuring the survey's success.
Dr Liviu Vedrasco, WHO Representative to Kyrgyzstan, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, "Understanding the extent and impact of antimicrobial resistance is paramount for safeguarding public health and fostering sustainable health-care systems. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in our collective efforts to combat this pressing global health threat."