The evolving threat of antimicrobial resistance. Options for action. Prof Didier Pittet Director, Infection Control Programme, WHO Collaborating Center for Patient Safety, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland External Lead, 1st Global Patient Safety Challenge & African Partnerships for Patient Safety, WHO Patient Safety

1. The evolving threat of
antimicrobial resistance
Options for action
Book launch
March 8, 2012
Prof Didier Pittet
Director, Infection Control Programme,
WHO Collaborating Center for Patient Safety,
University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of
Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
External Lead, 1st Global Patient Safety
Challenge & African Partnerships for Patient
Safety, WHO Patient Safety

4. Can we
reverse
this trend ?

10. Yes
we can

11. Percentage change in antibiotic consumption,
out-patient care in 25 European countries,1997-2003
Co-ordination programs
For Iceland, total data (including hospitals) are used
and national campaigns
Data from ESAC

13. Antimicrobial use in Salmon and Trout
production in Norway
FAO/OIE/WHO Expert consultation on antimicrobial use in aquaculture and
antimicrobial resistance, 2006
60 000
600 000
50 000
500 000
400 000
30 000
300 000
20 000
200 000
10 000
100 000
0
0
1981
1984
1987
1990
1993
1996
1999
2002
Volume salmon and trout
Consumption antibiotics
Antibiotics
(tons wfe)
Volume
40 000
(kg active substance)
700 000

14. Conclusions
• All interventions require some level of
support, leadership and political commitment
• Sustaining and building upon gains requires
financial and human resources, as well as
infrastructure capabilities
• A range of interventions are needed
Not all are necessary or relevant in all countries
Local conditions differ widely between and within countries
Country-focused situation analysis is a logical initial step
towards setting up a comprehensive anti-AMR programme

15. Conclusions (2)
• Prioritizing national strategies,
measures and resources is essential
• Partnerships and closer collaboration between policy
makers, academia, managers and appropriate
professionals and interest groups is advocated
• More collaboration is needed between disciplines within
sectors (ex: human and animal medicine)
• In healthcare, collaboration between those involved in
promoting rational use of medicines and those involved
in infection prevention and control must be reinforced