Proposed roadmap for the adaptation and implementation of WHO policy guidance on integrated antimicrobial stewardship in the human health sector

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued global policy guidance to facilitate Member States’ implementation of national AMS activities in an integrated and programmatic approach.Under this initiative, WHO recommends that countries establish comprehensive roadmaps to guide the adaptation and implementation of the 5 pillars established in the “WHO Policy Guidance on Integrated Antimicrobial Stewardship Activities in Human Health Sector” in coordination and collaboration with global and regional partners (figure 1).These roadmaps should address the strengths, challenges, and technical cooperation requirements to ensure effective implementation of the Policy at regional, national and sub-national levels.

The objective of a roadmap is to provide national government-led guidance for the implementation of the WHO Policy Guidance on Integrated Antimicrobial Stewardship Activities in Human Health Sector, based on the five established pillars, with the involvement of stakeholders from all sectors and disciplines around a common plan.

The development of the roadmap includes a review of the enabling environment, including policies in all relevant sectors, institutional arrangements and coordination mechanisms, financing, monitoring and evaluation systems, and capacity building.