Pakistan’s Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance Strengthened by Fleming Fund

Strengthening Pakistan’s Response to Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing global health threats, and Pakistan has taken major strides to counter it with the help of the Fleming Fund Country Grant. Since 2019, this initiative has transformed the country’s ability to monitor, diagnose, and respond to resistant infections.

A key achievement has been the establishment of One Health AMR Secretariats at national and provincial levels, ensuring coordinated action across human health, animal health, aquaculture, and environmental sectors. This integrated approach recognizes that antibiotic misuse in poultry or fisheries can directly impact human health.

Laboratory capacity has also been significantly strengthened. 25 sentinel surveillance sites now operate with upgraded equipment, while national reference labs have achieved international accreditations such as ISO 15189 and ISO 17025. Advanced diagnostic systems, including Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), have been introduced, enabling deeper insights into resistance patterns and transmission pathways.

Pakistan has also pioneered environmental AMR surveillance, including pilot studies in wastewater to understand how resistant bacteria spread beyond hospitals and farms. To improve transparency, digital AMR dashboards are being developed, giving policymakers and researchers real-time access to surveillance data.

Beyond surveillance, stewardship programs are reducing antibiotic misuse. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan now has an IT-based antimicrobial track-and-trace system, while hospitals are adopting standardized antibiogram protocols to guide responsible prescribing. These efforts earned Pakistan the Global AMR Stewardship Prize in 2022.

Research has been another cornerstone. Studies on the economic burden of AMR, antimicrobial use among pregnant women, and hospital-acquired infections are generating vital evidence to shape policy and clinical practice. Public awareness campaigns, especially during World AMR Awareness Week, have elevated AMR as a national health priority.

By combining surveillance, stewardship, research, and awareness, Pakistan is building a resilient system to safeguard public health. With continued investment and collaboration, the country is well placed to protect future generations from the devastating impact of antimicrobial resistance.