About antimicrobial resistance
Antimicrobial resistance is when microorganisms (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites) become resistant to the medicines designed to kill them. This includes antibacterials (antibiotics), antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitic drugs.
Antimicrobial resistance is a major concern:
- resistant infections can spread, imposing huge costs to individuals and society
- common medical procedures such as surgery could become extremely difficult, or even impossible
- everyday infections may become untreatable, which could lead to death.
When microorganisms become resistant to most antimicrobials, they are often referred to as ‘superbugs’.
New Zealand’s rates of antimicrobial resistance are relatively low compared to countries in neighbouring regions such as South-East Asia. However, resistance is rising for some infections and antimicrobial use is high. New Zealand should not become complacent.
What we’re doing in New Zealand
1. Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan
New Zealand published its Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan in August 2017, based on a situation analysis report published in April 2017. Progress was slowed due to prioritising the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but many actions remain relevant and continue to guide current efforts.
To build on the Action Plan and further advance antimicrobial resistance efforts, the Ministry of Health, Ministry for Primary Industries, and Ministry for the Environment are developing a National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy, expected in 2026. This strategy will set priorities and expectations for antimicrobial resistance work across New Zealand.
2. Strengthening New Zealand’s antimicrobial resistance public health surveillance
New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is contracted by the Ministry of Health to undertake an extensive surveillance programme and other activities related to combatting antimicrobial resistance. These include establishing and providing support to the New Zealand Microbiology Network.
The antibiotic reference laboratory at PHF Science is responsible for national surveillance of antimicrobial resistance among human pathogens.
As part of a wider public health and pandemic preparedness efforts, PHF Science is strengthening its antimicrobial resistance surveillance system to improve data collection and reporting. Better data will help us to understand antimicrobial resistance trends and take action to reduce its impact on New Zealanders and allow us to reduce its impacts.
3. Other initiatives
There are also ongoing initiatives in New Zealand aimed at combatting antimicrobial resistance, including:
- education and awareness
- surveillance
- hand hygiene
- restrictions on prescriptions
- promoting appropriate use of antimicrobials.
These initiatives are undertaken by a number of organisations including Pharmac, Best Practice Advocacy Centre New Zealand, and the Health Quality & Safety Commission.
