Situational assessment of antibiotics resistance in Kathmandu valley- A pilot study

PROJECT STATUS
Technical working group comprising of members from MOHP, DDA, DFTQC, MoALD, and consultants in the related fields were formulated. After conducting a series of meetings, ethical approval was obtained following which data collection was planned for the study laid around the concept of “One Health Approach” to combat antimicrobial resistance scheduled to begin from May 2021.

PROJECT DURATION
2020 onwards

COLLABORATION
Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP)

DISTRICT (S)
Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur

BACKGROUND

Antibiotics are used to prevent and treat bacterial infections. WHO in 2019 introduced the perception of Access, Watch, Reserve (“AWaRe”) for the classification of 180 antibiotics in its List of Essential Medicines (WHO, 2019). The classification has been done to use it as a tool for antibiotic stewardship at all levels such as local, national and global to reduce antimicrobial resistance. Access to quality, safe and affordable medicines including antibiotics is a key contribution to Universal Health Coverage (UHC). A country-level target of at least 60% of antibiotic consumption is from medicines in the Access Group which is set by AWaRE classification. This indicator has been included to monitor access to essential medicines and progress towards UHC (WHO, 2019).

 Jaipur Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance in 2015, WHO Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, and National Antimicrobial Resistance Containment Action Plan was developed to combat antimicrobial resistance as a priority program. It requires legislation and policies to govern the use of antimicrobial medicines, establishing laboratory-based networks for surveillance of antimicrobial resistance, ensuring rational use of antimicrobial medicines and promoting community awareness to combat antimicrobial resistance.

OBJECTIVE (S)

The general objective of this study is to assess the baseline information on knowledge, attitude, practices and consumption of antibiotics and its resistance in Kathmandu valley.

EXPECTED OUTPUT (S)

This study is expected to generate evidence regarding antibiotic prescriptions, dispensing and consumption practices which will help in promoting rational use of antibiotics. Similarly, the key areas stated in National Antimicrobial Resistance Containment Action Plan, 2016 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be addressed which will help in designing and updating policies, plans and interventions to reduce antibiotic resistance in Nepal.