Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the Maldives

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of a microorganism (like bacteria, viruses, and some parasites) to stop an antimicrobial (such as antibiotics, antivirals and antimalarials) from working against it. As a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist and may spread to others. Bacteria, not humans or animals, become antibiotic-resistant. These bacteria may infect humans and animals, and the infections they cause are harder to treat than those caused by non-resistant bacteria.

Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent and treat bacterial infections. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in response to the use of these medicines.

Bacteria, not humans or animals, become antibiotic-resistant. These bacteria may infect humans and animals, and the infections they cause are harder to treat than those caused by non-resistant bacteria

Overview

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is rising steeply over the past few years and its biggest driver is inappropriate use of antibiotics. The abuse of antimicrobials (antibiotics) is leading to a potentially catastrophic rise in antibiotic resistance, which is having a deleterious impact on planetary health. The development and spread of resistance occur through complex direct and indirect pathways, involving human, animal and environmental sector including food production, effluent from hospitals, farms and pharmaceutical manufacturing units as well as from discarding the old/expired antibiotics. These impacts water quality and soil health.

Limited evidence exists in Maldives with respect to surveillance of resistant organisms nationally, so it is difficult to find the situation of AMR. However, some evidence exists on overuse of antibiotics and

inappropriate use of antibiotics for cough/cold/sore throat. Maldives has growing animal sector but regulations and data on antibiotic use and consumption is lacking. Moreover, majority of food is their food product is also limited.

With technical guidance from WHO, The Government of Maldives is committed to contain antimicrobial resistance. A National Action Plan on AMR using the one health approach and in alignment with the global action plan has been developed for the period 2017-2022. A National Multisectoral Steering Committee (NMSC) provides strategic vision to AMR control Efforts and the activities are co-ordinated by the Director General of Maldives Food and Drug Authority. The Plan is implemented by the National AMR Co-ordination Committee under theguidance of five Technical Sub Committees established to provide technical support for each objective of the National Action Plan.

Technical links

Did you know?

AMR is an increasingly serious threat to global public health that requires action across all government sectors and society.

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Without effective antibiotics, the success of major surgery and cancer chemotherapy would be compromised.