The National Antimicrobial Resistance Conference kicked off today (Sunday) at the InterContinental Hotel under the auspices of His Excellency Dr. Saeed Harib Al Lamki, MOH’s Undersecretary for Health Affairs, in the presence of Dr. Amal Al-Maani, Director General of the Disease Control and Prevention Center, along with several officials and representatives from various organizations.
The conference is organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Medical City for Military and Security Services, the University Medical City, Oman College of Health Sciences, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources.
During the opening ceremony, the National Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan 2024-2030, the National Antimicrobial Stewardship Policy, and the Antibiotic Stewardship Guidelines were launched.
The event included further an exhibition, featuring over 20 scientific papers presented in the fields of infection control, surveillance, diagnosis, resistance, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and other related scientific research.
The three-day conference aims at reviewing the national and global status of antimicrobial resistance, and raising awareness among professionals in health, veterinary medicine, agriculture, food safety, and environmental sectors. It also seeks to discuss the landscape of antimicrobial resistance research in Oman, highlight key challenges, involve national researchers in the antimicrobial resistance research agenda, identify national research priorities in this area, and provide recommendations on strategies for funding research projects. Moreover, the conference aims to strengthen the “One Health” approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health, to tackle antimicrobial resistance.
Distinguished local and international experts in infectious diseases, microbiology, pharmacy, infection control programs, and hospital management, as well regional experts from Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources are taking part in the conference. 
By hosting the event that serves as a scientific academic platform for the One Health approach stakeholders, the Sultanate of Oman is seeking to unify efforts and strengthen scientific collaboration in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, ensuring its optimal use across various health and environmental sectors.
It is worth noting that AMR is one of the most pressing global health challenges, given its direct impact on public health, food security, and economic stability.