Regional consultation on the WHO Policy Guidance on Integrated Antimicrobial Stewardship Activities in human health: Final Report, August 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest threats to the control of communicable diseases.

The misuse and overuse of antimicrobial agents in the human, animal and environmental sectors has been a major driver of the global increase in AMR. Other factors include lack of access to affordable and quality antimicrobials, lack of awareness and knowledge, lack of access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, and poor infection prevention and control in healthcare settings and in the community. Optimizing the use of antimicrobial medicines in human, animal and plant health is one of the priority strategic lines of action of the Global Action Plan on AMR.