Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious global public health threat in this century and like other countries, Malaysia is no exception. The silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has deeply entrenched itself, leading to higher rates of illness and death, as well as severe financial impacts that affect not only humans but also animals and the environment.
Ministry of health Malaysia raises concern:
The ongoing rise of drug-resistant diseases will diminish the effectiveness of medical treatments and pose a significant challenge to the nation’s health and development
Superbugs on the Rise!
- E.coli: Resistance against Ampicillin & Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole reaches 48.1% & 25.6% in 2021 respectively
- Neisseria: Resistance rate of 72.3% against Tetracycline
- Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, and Enterobacterales are the top three healthcare-associated multidrug-resistant organisms
Source: Ministry of health Malaysia
My ACTION PLAN AMR: Fighting the fight
Malaysia developed its first plan against AMR named the Malaysian Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (MyAP-AMR) 2017-2021
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has implemented initiatives by introducing Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices (MyGAP), Veterinary Health Mark (VHM) and Good Veterinary Hygiene Practice (GVHP) certification schemes to strengthen animal biosecurity on farms to prevent infections and to improve hygiene in slaughterhouses and processing plants
Plan Objectives (2021-26)
- Reduce the Transmission of Infection and Disease
- Strengthen awareness and understanding of AMR
- Optimise the use of antimicrobials across relevant sectors
- Strengthen National One Health Surveillance and Research Efforts
This strategy is aligned with the WHO Global Action Plan on AMR framework to involve multiple collaborative efforts between public and private sectors involving human, animal, and environmental health sectors in the past five years.
Outcomes so far
- Public education
- Increased surveillance & research
- Implementation of biosecurity in animal health
- Ban on certain antibiotics (Novobiocin, Chloramphenicol, Dihydrostreptomycin)
How herbal based alternatives might be the answer?
As Malaysia grapples with the escalating issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the exploration of alternative treatments has become increasingly crucial.
Advantages OF Herbal Medicine
- Overcomes resistance: Unlike synthetic antibiotics, herbs contain a complex mix of compounds that can target multiple pathways in pathogens, making it harder for resistance to develop.
- No side effects: Herbal treatments are generally associated with fewer side effects compared to conventional antibiotics, making them a safer option for long-term use.
- Eco-friendly & Sustainable: Herbs can be cultivated sustainably, providing a renewable source of medicine that can be integrated into local healthcare practices
The integration of herbal remedies into modern healthcare could offer a viable solution to the growing resistance problem.
The way forward: Although antimicrobial utilisation is important for the treatment of both human and animal diseases, maintaining the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents is a priority to minimise the development of AMR. Antimicrobials should be used in a responsible manner. This is important to ensure the antimicrobials used do not cause harm to animals and humans.
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