A three-day workshop on reviewing the Antimicrobial Stewardship Policy (AMS) and terms and reference for Veterinary Antimicrobial Stewardship Unit (VAMSU) is being held at Punakha Boutique hotel, Punakha w.e.f. 21 to 23 of November 2024. The workshop is being coordinated by National Veterinary Hospital, Motithang, a focal institute for Veterinary Antimicrobial Stewardship and is funded by Fleming Fund Country Grant phase II.
AMR is one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time. We are gathered here today because we recognize the urgency of addressing this issue that affects not only individual health but also the very fabric of global healthcare systems. Policy document outlines strategies and actions aimed at combating antimicrobial resistance, which is a growing public health concern worldwide. This document forms the backbone of the VAMSU in addressing the AMR issues in animal health. The rise of AMR is fuelled by several factors, including the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in both humans and animals, poor infection prevention and control practices, and the lack of new antibiotics being developed.
Hence the workshop is being conducted with the following objectives:
Objectives:
- Update on Fleming fund activities in phase II with reference to VAMSU
- Sensitization on the draft Veterinary antimicrobial stewardship policy document
- Review and finalize the draft antimicrobial stewardship policy document for endorsement.
- Review and finalize the terms and reference (TOR)for antimicrobial stewardship unit (AMSU)
Expected outcomes:
- Draft AMS policy document reviewed and finalized for endorsement so that it can be implemented as soon as possible for animal health facilities in the country
- Terms and reference (TORs) reviewed and finalized for the AMSU
The participants include representatives from various agencies under the Department of Livestock, Animal Health Division, DoL; National Veterinary Hospital, National Center for Animal Health; Regional Livestock Development Center, Kanglung/ Dewathang/ Phuntsholing; Dzongkhag Veterinary Hospitals, Paro/ Chukha/ Trashigang/ Wangdi/ Punakha. Representation from other agencies includes Bhutan Food & Drug Authority, MoH, Central Regional Referral Hospital, Gelephu and AMS specialist, regional grant, Massey University, New zealand.
