NEW YORK: Kuwait has developed a national action plan to combat antimicrobial resistance based on a strong multi-sectoral approach on the “One Health” principle, Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi said. This came in a speech delivered by Al-Awadhi during a high-level meeting on antimicrobial resistance held as part of the activities of the high-level week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

During the meeting, world leaders adopted a political declaration on antimicrobial resistance committing to a clear set of goals and actions, including reducing deaths linked to bacterial antimicrobial resistance by 10 percent by 2030. Al-Awadhi stressed that Kuwait realizes that antibiotic resistance is one of the most dangerous threats facing humanity and constitutes a threat that transcends borders, making it a global challenge, noting that this requires international cooperation to confront it.

Al-Awadhi pointed out that the national strategy for antimicrobial resistance focuses on programs for the optimal use of antibiotics, infection prevention and control programs, and the implementation of strict regulations aimed at reducing the prescription of inappropriate antibiotics. He pointed out Kuwait’s success in enhancing its participation in the World Health Organization’s Global Surveillance System for Antibiotic Resistance and Use (GLAS).

Al-Awadhi explained that Kuwait is keen to have updated policies for the use of these antibiotics in all its health facilities, pointing out the launch of a national unit to regulate the use of antibiotics under the umbrella of the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Kuwait CDC). Regarding the framework of scientific research and development, the Kuwaiti Minister said that the country has deepened its scientific participation in research related to antibiotic resistance, citing Kuwait’s obtaining of a patent for developing animal production and food safety.

He added that the country is committed to supporting international efforts aimed at strengthening national and global responses to combat antimicrobial resistance by participating in ministerial conferences and contributing to the formulation of policies related to combating antibiotics. Al-Awadhi stated that Kuwait sets goals that are consistent with the World Health Organization’s action plan on antimicrobial resistance, noting that it seeks to enhance its successes within the framework of the AWARE program for classifying antibiotics. The minister stressed that Kuwait calls for continuous work and cooperation between countries to maintain the progress made and achieve long-term goals in reducing antibiotic resistance, thus enhancing everyone’s commitment to global health security. — KUNA