Source: Ministry of Health and Prevention
The 6th UAE International Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (ICAMR) has concluded on a high note, drawing more than 600 healthcare professionals including doctors,hea consultants, and technicians from various parts of the globe.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) in collaboration with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), and the Emirates Health Services (EHS), focused on fostering sustainable solutions to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Held under the patronage of HE Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) , the conference was attended by HE Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, and Dr. Najiba Abdul Razzaq, Head of Infection Prevention and Control Central Committee, MoHAP.
Also present were a number of experts specialized in all fields of antimicrobials, and representatives of 15 international companies from the most important pharmaceutical and medical device companies concerned with combating antimicrobial resistance.
Challenges
The conference, held in Dubai on March 17 and 18, addressed a broad spectrum of topics, encompassing research-based evidence in antimicrobial medicine and prevention, as well as numerous prevalent diseases. These discussions facilitated the identification and adoption of suitable treatment approaches.
Sustainable solutions
In his opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Hussein Abdulrahman Al-Rand emphasized the significance of the conference, saying that by bringing together a group of health sector leaders, experts, and consultants to discuss global best practices in this regard, it helps find sustainable solutions to address the antimicrobial challenge.
“Antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide hazard to health and development, thus integrating global efforts in this area will be sufficient to find effective solutions, Al-Rand said while citing the World Health Organization’s proclamation that it is one of the top ten global threats to public health.
National plan
Al Rand noted that the Ministry of Health and Prevention has developed a national plan based on scientific foundations to reduce antimicrobial resistance, by raising awareness of this challenge, enhancing surveillance and research, reducing infection rates and optimizing the use of antimicrobial drugs.
“Antimicrobial resistance poses a global threat to health and development. Consequently, only through concerted global efforts can we find effective solutions,” Al-Rand stated, referring to the World Health Organization’s designation of antimicrobial resistance as one of the top ten global public health threats.
Increasing financial support
Al-Rand emphasized the importance of promoting innovation and augmenting financial support for scientific research aimed at developing drugs, vaccines, and tools for detecting and preventing antimicrobials. He also highlighted the ministry’s decision to dispense antibiotics by prescription only, which has led to a substantial reduction in the indiscriminate use of these medications.
Interactive discussions
For her part, Dr. Najiba Abdul Razzaq stated that the conference offers a significant chance to showcase the most significant advancements in antibiotic resistance research and practice through a series of lectures and workshops delivered by subject matter experts from all over the world.
She noted that the conference featured interactive discussions on the latest developments in infectious diseases, microbial resistance to antibiotics, treatment strategies, and infection prevention. Implementing effective measures in these areas contributes to reducing hospital stays, disease prevalence, and medical care costs.
The UAE International Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (ICAMR), which brings together experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals from various countries, is a landmark event in supporting efforts to combat antibiotic resistance. It offers a global platform for the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and cutting-edge research into useful solutions.