7 September 2017 – In line with the "Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance", which provides a framework for countries to develop national plans, Iraq is in the process of developing a national strategic plan for antimicrobial resistance, with the support of WHO. The "Global Action Plan" to tackle the growing problem of resistance to antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines was endorsed by the World Health Assembly in May 2015 in resolution WHA67.25. The goal of the plan is to ensure continuity of successful treatment and prevention of infectious diseases with effective and safe medicines that are quality assured, used in a responsible way and accessible to all who need them.

A workshop to initiate development of Iraq's national plan will be held in Baghdad, Iraq, from September 10 to 15, 2017, including 50 participants from the health, agricultural and animal sectors and representatives of international organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health. 

The outcome of the workshop will be the development of a draft national action plan on antimicrobial resistance based around 5 strategic areas:

• improving awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance through effective communication, education and training;
• strengthening knowledge through surveillance and research;
• reducing the incidence of infection through improved infection prevention and control measures;
• optimizing the use of antimicrobial agents in human and animal health; 
• promoting research and innovation at the national level.

The workshop will be facilitated by a multi-disciplinary team of experts from the WHO Regional Office and WHO will continue to provide technical support to the development and eventual implementation of the plan.