Statement by

​ H.E. Dr. Phayvanh KEOPASEUTH, Deputy Minister of Health

at the High-level meeting on antimicrobial resistance

Theme: “Investing in the present and securing our future together: accelerating multisectoral global, regional and national actions to address Antimicrobial Resistance”

 

 

Thank you, Chair.

Distinguish Ladies and Gentle man

The Lao People's Democratic Republic acknowledges the critical nature of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a pressing global health concern and fully endorses the necessity to enhance political dedication towards effectively addressing AMR.

Lao PDR takes pride in its support and endorsement of the Joint Position Paper: AMR in the human health sector in the Asia-Pacific region, which was adopted during the Ministerial Side Meeting at the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva in May 2024. This endorsement reaffirms our determination to expedite action against AMR in collaboration with global, regional, and national entities.

In line with this commitment, Lao PDR has established a national multisectoral AMR committee and has implemented the National Strategic Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance in Lao PDR 2019 – 2023. We are presently evaluating our progress and formulating a new national strategic plan for AMR. Throughout the execution of our National Strategic Plan, we have successfully instituted an AMR surveillance system and an antimicrobial consumption monitoring system. Notably, Lao PDR is among the earliest nations to report to WHO’s Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS).

As we prepare for the subsequent phase of our national strategic plan, we are concentrating on fortifying governance and coordination mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation and sustainability of our endeavors on AMR. Presently, we are engaged in combating drug resistance to Tuberculosis in collaboration with the Stop TB partnership.

Lao PDR remains resolute in its commitment to continue collaborative efforts with international partners in addressing the intricate challenges posed by AMR.

Thank you.