Explaining the rationale for this handbook, a WHO representative said: “[For most countries] the greatest challenge is not developing a national action plan; rather, it is the implementation of the plan based on evidence-based prioritization of activities, systematic monitoring of progress, and ensuring sustainability of efforts.”

BSAC welcomes this publication, particularly the focus on monitoring progress. The lack of clear and consistent data in this area is well documented, and the development of laboratory standards and capacity around the world is central to efforts to track both the spread of AMR and our progress in tackling it.

We hope this handbook will act as a catalyst for governments everywhere to both prioritise the implementation of their national action plans and allocate the resources desperately required to combat the spread of AMR around the globe.

You can find the handbook here