Assessment of Implementation of Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance and Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Tanzanian Health Facilities a Year After Launch of the National Action Plan

Bibliographic Data

ID22084890
AuthorsRaphael Zozimus Sangeda (0000-0002-6574-5308, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, corresponding author), Joel Kibona (Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences), Castory Munishi (0000-0002-3100-3066, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences), Frank Arabi (Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences), Vicky P Manyanga, Vicky Manyanga (0000-0003-4646-4647, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences), Kennedy D Mwambete (0000-0002-1309-606X, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences), Pius G Horumpende (0000-0003-1241-6997, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre)
Year2020
Volume8
Pages454-454
Publication date2020-08-27
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2020.00454
PMID32974264
OpenAlexW3082326709
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited18

Introduction Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a current global health threat and a challenge to the treatment of infectious diseases. The WHO advocates a strategy of antibiotic stewardship programs (ASP) in optimizing antimicrobial use in hospitals. The assessment of the local ASP implementation is critical for monitoring ASP activities. This study aimed at assessing the existence of hospital AMR surveillance and ASP implementation in hospitals in Tanzania in the year following the launch of the National Action Plan (NAP). Methodology From December 2017 through July 2018, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to healthcare personnel to assess the existence and implementation of the antimicrobial use surveillance and stewardship programs in selected Tanzania mainland hospitals. The survey was sent via text or e-mail to focal persons in their corresponding facilities after the initial mobile telephone contact was made. Results Responses from 39 participants were received and analysed. Thirty (76.9%) facilities were government-owned. Of the 39 respondents surveyed, 13 (35.9%) declared to have implemented some sort of coordinated ASP to promotes the rational use of antimicrobials at their facilities. The respondents reported the presence of guidelines for the implementation of ASP at variable proportions. The most prominent report was the presence of a committee for Infection Prevention and Control, reported by 27 (69.2%) respondents. Twenty-four (61.5%) had a Medical and Therapeutic Committee. Although all 39 (100%) respondents were aware of the presence of AMR in Tanzania, only 26 (66.7%) were aware of the presence of the Tanzanian NAP for AMR. Hospital antibiotic policy document was present in 6 (15.4%) facilities. Only 7 (17.9%) facilities conducted prescription auditing; 9 (23.1%) had a hospital formulary; 14 (35.9%) had standard hospital prescription. 9 (23.1%) had software for data storage about AMR. Only 7 (17.9%) facilities conducted microorganisms’ susceptibility tests and kept the record of the microorganism susceptibility testing. Conclusion Our study found the existence of AMR surveillance activities and ASP implementation in Tanzania, albeit at a low level. The implementation was inconsistent across the surveyed facilities. These data have identified areas of improvement in addressing AMR in Tanzania through the NAP

Action plan · Antibiotic resistance · Antibiotics · Antimicrobial stewardship · Environmental health · Family medicine · Infection control · Intensive care medicine · Medical emergency · Socioeconomics · Tanzania · Antibiotic Use and Resistance · Global Maternal and Child Health · Medicine · Patient Satisfaction in Healthcare

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