Strengthening the capacity to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and healthcare associated infections (HAI) in Romania

About this project

<p style="text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt">Hospital-acquired Infections and antimicrobial resistance are among the most serious public health problems also in Europe. Two European Union Council Recommendations have been approved in order to ask European Union Member States to adopt and implement specific strategies for the prudent use of antimicrobial agents - aiming at containing antimicrobial resistance, and for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections - aiming at improving patient safety. The impact of antimicrobial resistance goes beyond its severe consequences for human and animal health and has become a global public health concern that affects the whole society and needs urgent and coordinated inter-sectoral action. In Romania, antimicrobial resistance is an important public health threat. Romania is one of the EU Member states with one of the highest levels of antimicrobial resistance, especially in invasive infections. The impact is felt particularly by vulnerable patients, as it can result in prolonged illness and increased mortality.</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt">The project shall support monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and hospital-acquired infections and stewardship on antibiotics prescription through developing National Strategy and National Action Plan, elaboration standards and protocols, antimicrobial resistance testing, hospital-acquired infections surveillance and antibiotic stewardship in public hospitals, as well as professional guidelines, training and capacity-building for health professionals.</span> </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt">The project will be implemented by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals” Bucharest in partnership with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Norwegian experiences and good practices regarding antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic consumption will be replicated in the Romanian health system.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

Bilateral cooperation results

The project contributed to the health system by improving access to services by the target populations. Also, through the development of Integrated Prevention and Patient Care services, new models have been developed for the effective treatment of TB patients, including latent tuberculosis, following WHO treatment recommendations. Also, the project had an impact on several lines of action: - increased universal access to rapid diagnostic methods and universal drug susceptibility testing - Patient support has been improved and adherence to treatment has been increased - created a good and safe model for infection control standards and requirements for healthcare facilities. - IEC public awareness campaigns contributed to changing the mentality towards tuberculosis, including latent TB / HIV.

Project partners

• Norwegian Institute of Public Health Donor project partner· Norway