Evaluation of the 2020-2024 NAP AMR: Positive Results in Antimicrobial Resistance Control
Jakarta, 3 September 2024 – The growing issue of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to public and animal health. AMR leads to higher treatment costs and putting national goals for disease control and food security at risk.
In response, the Indonesian government established a national policy for AMR control through the CMHDCA Regulation No. 7/2021, which outlines the National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP AMR) 2020-2024, adopting the One Health approach. The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs (CMHDCA) has unveiled the results of their Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of the NAP AMR 2020-2024 in Jakarta on Tuesday (3/9/2024).
This comprehensive M&E process has been carried out in close collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and with support from the European Union (EU), through a series of meetings with the AMR control task force working group involving various ministries and agencies.
Acting Deputy for Coordination of Health Quality Improvement and Population Development at the CMHDCA, R. Nunung Nuryartono, stated that the implementation of the National Action Plan on Rabies (RAN PRA) has, so far, achieved positive results for the majority of target indicators in the effort to control AMR. “This demonstrates Indonesia's significant and ongoing efforts to address AMR in human health, animal health, and the environment through a One Health approach,” stated Nunung.
According to Deputy Nunung, these achievements are highly significant given the complex challenges in achieving sustainable and comprehensive AMR control. “These outcomes need to be further improved, particularly in the control of AMR in the health sector. Overall, the implementation of the NAP AMR 2020-2024 reflects Indonesia’s strong commitment to enhancing AMR control through mitigation measures against future AMR risks,” said Nunung.
The Director General of Livestock and Animal Health at the Ministry of Agriculture, represented by the Director of Animal Health, Imron Suandy, highlighted the vital role of animal health in AMR control strategies through a One Health approach. “Progress in addressing AMR in animal health is a testament to our commitment to sustainably safeguarding the community. By enforcing strict regulations and policies, with support from the private sector, including both the veterinary medicine and the commercial poultry industry, we can accelerate the efforts to prevent the transmission of AMR from animals,” stated Imron.
Imron explained that he has witnessed how regulations banning Antibiotic Growth Promoters (AGPs) and colistin in commercial poultry farming have led to reduced resistance and lower levels of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs), which are enzymes causing bacterial resistance to antibiotics on farms. “These advancements indicate our ongoing commitment to effective AMR control and highlight the success of our comprehensive strategy within the One Health framework,” added Imron.
Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Azhar Jaya, acknowledged the progress and challenges in controlling AMR in the human health sector. “Although we have made some strides in AMR control, these results indicate that several key areas require more focused attention. The reduction in ESBL cases and the rational use of antimicrobials in healthcare facilities have not yet met our targets. We are committed to addressing these challenges through the newly launched National AMR Control Strategy for the human health sector, which will serve as the foundation for our next cross-sectoral National Action Plan. By strengthening collaboration with various stakeholders, we aim to significantly improve AMR control in Indonesia,” said Azhar.
FAO Representative in Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Rajendra Aryal, commended Indonesia’s steadfast commitment to sustainably combating AMR. “These promising results reflect the effectiveness of collaborative approaches within the One Health framework and underscore the vital role of continuous engagement of all relevant stakeholders in advancing AMR control. The FAO is pleased to support these efforts and celebrate the country's progress toward a safer and healthier future through proactive AMR management,” said Aryal.
WHO Representative for Indonesia, Dr. N. Paranietharan, highlighted how the recently launched AMR national strategy in human health reinforces the One Health approach. “This strategy strengthens Indonesia’s commitment to the collaborative approach, which is crucial for effectively addressing the global AMR threat. WHO commends Indonesia’s leadership and remains dedicated to supporting this collective effort," said Paranietharan.
The meeting also stressed key actions for all stakeholders, including strengthening national AMR surveillance and data sharing, expanding AMR control from central to local levels with clear guidelines, and integrating AMR control into national development plans to drive effective control measures.