Provincial orientations on National Antimicrobial Treatment Guidelines begins

Chitwan, Bagmati province - The Curative Service Division, Ministry of Health and Population, and WHO Country Office for Nepal, has initiated a series of provincial orientations on the National Antimicrobial Treatment Guidelines, starting with Bagmati Province with a two-day programme in Chitwan, on 6-7 February. Supported by The Fleming Fund, this initiative aims to build the capacity of health-care professionals to implement antimicrobial stewardship programs in hospitals and promote the effective use of the guidelines for prescribing antibiotics. The first session brought together 18 clinicians from Bagmati and Madhesh Provinces, along with representatives from the Provincial Health Directorate and the Provincial Public Health Laboratory of Bagmati Province. The orientation focused on enhancing the understanding and practical application of the guidelines, strengthening antimicrobial stewardship and advancing efforts to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Discussions focused on Nepal’s overall AMR response, ongoing surveillance and diagnostic tools for antimicrobial stewardship. Participants also explored the application of the guidelines in daily practice, identified challenges and proposed actionable recommendations. Similar orientations will be now conducted in other provinces to ensure nationwide implementation of the guidelines.