Strengthening laboratory surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in South East Asia

T he patterns and driving forces for the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) vary from place to place. Monitoring local resistance patterns helps implement targeted measures to contain AMR and to treat infections effectively. Laboratories are important for quantifying the burden of AMR and resistance patterns, and it is vital they follow standard protocols to generate quality data. Collating local data on AMR is essential to obtain a representative picture of national trends, plan and measure the effect of policies and interventions, and contribute to the understanding of AMR at a regional and global level. In 2011 health ministers of South East Asian countries released the Jaipur declaration, signifying their commitment to work together to contain AMR. The declaration emphasises the need to increase capacity and share best practices for laboratory based surveillance of AMR and foster the effective use of data to modify antibiotic policy. Regional strategies led by the World Health Organization recognise laboratory surveillance as a priority for controlling AMR, and countries are expected to report annually on progress. WHO organises regular meetings with representatives of national laboratories of all countries in the region to gather AMR data and discuss the challenges faced by participating laboratories. We draw on points discussed at these meetings and suggest actions for policy makers to adopt as part of their national action plans to establish robust nationwide laboratory based surveillance mechanisms for AMR.