Partnership to avert antibiotic resistance and healthcare associated infections
In 2005 we launched the Antibiotic Stewardship Programme (ASP) with the HA to control the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance through optimizing selection and use of antibiotics in public hospitals. We will continue to partner with the HA in implementing the ASP to safeguard public health against the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. In support of the ASP, public and professional awareness campaigns on the prevention and control of antibiotic resistance will be further strengthened.
We will collaborate with different stakeholders to conduct surveillance of HAIs in acute care and long-term care facilities and to monitor the effectiveness of control strategies for the prevention of HAIs. For example, we will work closely with hospital partners to prevent wound infections following surgical operation through surveillance, promulgation of evidence-based practice for performance feedback and monitoring, and promoting the appropriate use of antibiotics for prevention of wound infection.
Observance of hand hygiene is a prerequisite for the prevention of the spread of communicable diseases. Recognising the importance of hand hygiene as a core component of infection control programmes, we will continue to promote hand hygiene among healthcare workers and conduct research on local adaptation of best hand hygiene practices in collaboration with hospital counterparts and community partners in acute and long-term care settings.
Collaborative efforts to combat TB
On the prevention and control of TB, we will collaborate with international partners like the Global Alliance for TB Drug Development and the United States TB Trial Consortium in conducting clinical trials to look for better drugs/treatment regimens for the treatment of TB, multidrug-resistant (MDR) including extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB, and latent TB infection. Working with local and international partners, we will continue to identify priority areas for research activities to improve service and control, as well as initiate and participate in service-related studies, e.g. new TB diagnostics, epidemiology and other prevention/control strategies.
