| AMR surveillance |
Assess changes in healthcare utilization, testing and diagnostic resources (e.g. patient and testing denominators), where feasible, and consider potential biases in current analyses of AMR surveillance data Engage with GLASS to facilitate the development of surveillance systems that are capable of routinely monitoring AMR and producing reliable data at the country, regional and global level15 Strengthen National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) as hubs for the development of quality management systems, biosafety, biorepository and archiving and molecular methods, e.g. GLASS guidance for NRLs16 Support networking for procurement and supply chain management, as well as for external quality assurance and troubleshooting Leverage increased capabilities established during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as genome sequencing, rapid testing and reporting, to better identify and combat future AMR threats
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| IPC |
Promote evidence-based IPC guidance on appropriate standard and transmission-based precautions, adapted to the local context Advocate against inappropriate IPC practices, e.g. incorrect use of PPE Seize the opportunity to advocate for more sustainable IPC programmes beyond the duration of outbreaks that can more effectively combat future emerging threats, e.g. based on the WHO guidelines on the core components of IPC programmes19
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| Antimicrobial stewardship |
Promote evidence-based guidelines on the indications for antimicrobial therapy among COVID-19 patients, as well as integrated COVID-19 and antimicrobial stewardship guidance, where feasible30–32 Capitalizing on the experience of COVID-19, liaise with clinical microbiologists and use data collected on patients and AMR to inform management of secondary bacterial infections and sepsis in the context of future threats, including improving rapid communication on inappropriate/appropriate treatment regimens
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| Programme implementation and system strengthening |
Re-establish partnerships and re-instate training programmes (e.g. lab quality management, antimicrobial stewardship) as soon as the local context of the COVID-19 outbreak allows Identify areas where COVID-19 and AMR responses overlap that can be leveraged, e.g. use of partnership platforms and investments in overall system strengthening Equally recognize where individual COVID-19 and AMR efforts are needed, e.g. investments in workforce development for both activities, back-suppliers Encourage the future rapid sharing of data and communication within AMR surveillance networks and other relevant stakeholders to mitigate threats Update national action plans on AMR and COVID-19 with best practices to mitigate future emerging threats Encourage broader system strengthening using a multidisciplinary team (e.g. clinicians, epidemiologists, lab scientists, data managers, other public health professionals) and develop communities of practice to ensure long-term gains of current improvements Engage globally to advocate for AMR as a continued global health priority, the continuation of COVID-19 funds for recovery plans to include AMR considerations and equitable access to equipment, reagents and materials for emerging threats
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