ISLAMABAD:The Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA), and DAI – Fleming Fund Country Grant Pakistan on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) together.
This MOU will allow interventions in five public and private hospitals in Islamabad. The healthcare professionals and administrators of the selected hospitals will be trained in AMR concepts and the importance of AMR stewardship.
Antibiotic use in Pakistan has increased by 65% over the last 16 years. The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials by health practitioners has increased resistance in humans, which has resulted in severe illness and even death.
According to the World Bank, by 2050, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) may lead to 10 million deaths annually.
There is a wide practice of health practitioners prescribing generic, broad spread antibiotics without checking if it is the appropriate solution for their patients. Around 75% of Pakistani patients are receiving at least one antimicrobial agent in a hospital setting.
The Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) is an autonomous health regulatory body enacted under the Islamabad Health Regulation Act, 2018. IHRA aims to improve the quality, efficiency and safety of healthcare services delivery by adopting evidence-based regulatory standards for the registration and licensing of healthcare establishments, health professionals, and equipment.
The Fleming Fund Country Grant is an initiative by the UK Government to tackle AMR, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The DAI- Fleming Fund Country Grant has been actively working with the human and animal health sector in Pakistan and helping the Government of Pakistan become a model for AMR One Health interventions.