In 2025, it is themed “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future”, emphasizing the urgent need for bold, coordinated and cross-sectoral action to reduce AR.
WHO estimates that antimicrobial resistance is a direct cause of approximately 1.3 million deaths annually and indirectly contributes to another 5 million deaths, with economic losses potentially reaching US$3.4 trillion per year by 2030.
ARs occur when bacteria stop responding to drugs or substances with antimicrobial action, resulting in untreatable infections. Without effective antimicrobials, medical procedures and treatments such as surgery, organ transplants, and chemotherapy become much riskier, putting lives at risk.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that antimicrobial resistance affects every country in the world, regardless of region or income level, affecting food security and the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
In the Republic of Moldova, antibiotic resistance continues to pose a major challenge to the health system. Actions that can contribute to the prevention and reduction of AR include:
– Infection prevention and control, including through routine vaccination;
– infection control in health care facilities, farms and food processing plants;
– training and education of health care workers in prevention and control of AR;
– Ensuring access to clean water, sanitation, hygiene and vaccines;
– minimizing pollution and ensuring proper waste and sanitation management;
– rational use of antibiotics in agriculture, livestock and food processing;
– public awareness and monitoring of the judicious use of antimicrobials, etc.
The National Program on Surveillance and Combating Antimicrobial Resistance for 2023-2027, approved by Government Decision No. 947 of 20.09.2023, provides for a comprehensive approach to measures aimed at reducing the irrational use of antimicrobials. The document also provides for strengthening the mechanisms of introduction, prescription and dispensing of these drugs in accordance with national and international standards.
