Under the theme “Antibiotics…Wise Use…Better Outcomes” the National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Campaign began at the Crown Plaza Hotel today (Monday) under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Fuad bin Jafar al-Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries in the presence of H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Saidi, Minister of Health along with number of Ministers, members of the State Council and Majlis A’Shura and high ranking officials.

The campaign is organized by the Ministry of Health (MOH), represented by the Directorate General of Diseases Surveillances & Control in collaboration with the MOH Directorates and related Ministries.

The national campaign aims to define the rational use of antibiotics in the health, animals and agriculture sectors. As well as coordination between these sectors in order to work together within a national plan to tackle the risk of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). In addition to applying a high-level of infection prevention to reduce the risk of infection, as well as raising the awareness among the patients, health workers, agriculture specialists and veterinarians.

Dr. Amal al-Maani, Director of Central Department of Infection Prevention & Control stated that “The Directorate General of Diseases Surveillances & Control has developed a draft of national strategy to combat the (AMR). The strategy aims to gather the concerned authorities to agree and implement a coordinated response in cooperation with the international organizations at the national level”.

The most disturbing problems to the doctors and workers in the field of human and animal health in most countries of the world are the prevalence of resistance of various types of infectious microbes to human against the antibiotics. It is expected in the near future to spread the outbreaks of infectious with number of serious communicable microbes, for which it has no effective antibiotic.  

It is worth mentioning that the national committee of resistance the antibiotics includes the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the private sector (hospitals & pharmacies), Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Armed Force Hospital, Royal Oman Police Hospital, the Research Council, the media mass, the community leaders, Public Authority for Consumer Protection, Food Safety Center at the Ministry of Regional Municipalities & Water Resources, Ministry of Environment & Climate Affair and Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB).      

Afterward, the chief guest and the Minister of Health launch and approve the National Strategic Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance, the National Antimicrobial Guidelines and National Policy for Surveillance of Multidrug Resistant Organisms.