In a first for the country, key authorities from the human health, animal health and environment sectors have joined forces through a National Action Plan (NAP) to collectively combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
“This shows how serious we are about the issue of drug resistance; how serious this issue is in our country; and that we intend to stop the misuse and abuse of antibiotics,” said Health Secretary Pascoe Kase while speaking on behalf of the Health Minister during his keynote address at the AMR forum.
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change in ways that render the medications used to cure the infections they cause ineffective. When the microorganisms become resistant to most antimicrobials they are often referred to as “superbugs”. This is a major concern because a resistant infection may kill, can spread to others, and imposes huge costs to individuals and society. Every year, AMR causes about 700,000 deaths worldwide, and every country is affected.
“We have a silent war on our hands in Papua New Guinea and that is antimicrobial resistance. Multi-drug resistance to the tuberculosis (TB) drugs and HIV pre-treatment drug resistance are rising examples of this,” said Dr Luo Dapeng, WHO Country Representative in PNG.
Global and national statistics show alarming levels of antimicrobial resistance in TB, HIV, malaria and sexually transmitted infections, to name a few. The WHO states that without solid inter-sectoral action and global cooperation, this problem is projected to intensify until 2050 leading to 10 million deaths annually worldwide and cause devastating global economic losses. Dr Luo said the impact of AMR will be felt more severely by developing countries like Papua New Guinea. Furthermore, the cost of health care for patients with resistant infections will be higher due to longer duration of sickness, additional laboratory and diagnostic procedures, and use of more expensive drugs.
“We know that AMR affects us all. And this is our commitment to act together and address it. But our people must also take responsibility. We must stop misusing and abusing antibiotics,” said Secretary Kase. He thanked partners – Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), Conservation & Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) and the National Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA) for standing together with the National Department of Health to address AMR through the NAP. Mr Kase also acknowledged the World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, the Government of the UK through the Fleming Fund in their efforts to address AMR issues in Papua New Guinea.
The message from the AMR forum to the public is clear: Take your antibiotics only when and as prescribed by your doctor; complete your treatment as directed, and do not share antibiotics with your wantoks, friends and relatives. Prescribers are reminded to ensure the correct antibiotics are prescribed for the correct disease indications and registered pharmacy outlets to dispense antibiotics through a written prescription by a registered doctor.
Meanwhile, the animal and environment sectors have applauded this move by the government, calling it the way forward to ensure creating solutions that recognize and take advantage of the inter-connectivity between humans, animals and the environment.
The forum highlighted the need for wider awareness raising, capacity building of the local workforce, and the importance of financial and technical assistance for all concerned partners. It advocated for high-level engagement towards support and mutual accountability to combat antimicrobial resistance across sectors in the country.