News

Looking at the commitment to combating the AMR threat, Dr. Anil Jasinghe said that since 2017, Sri Lanka has been enrolled in the vital Global AMR and Use Surveillance System (GLASS). The country submits data to the digital platform ANIMUSE (antimicrobial usage data in animals) of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).

He said that the country has also proactively addressed AMR. The National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2023-2028 includes:

• ‘One Health’ collaboration across human, animal and environmental sectors.
• Strengthened surveillance for AMR and AMU.
• Rational AMU in healthcare and agriculture.
• Environmental safety.

A recent scoping visit to Sri Lanka under the Fleming Fund’s AMROH (AMR-One Health) South Asia Regional Grant, according to him, had recorded both achievements and challenges. Some of the ‘key’ challenges include the absence of a dedicated government budget – with most AMR-related activities being dependent on external support; limited sharing of AMR and AMU data across sectors; and inadequate on-farm and clinical surveillance.

The assessment had revealed:  

• Veterinary drug registration was effectively managed by the Veterinary Drug Control Authority (VDCA).
• However, veterinary drug distribution and monitoring mechanisms required further strengthening. An example cited had been important antimicrobials such as fluoroquinolones being available over the counter, in some farm outlets – highlighting the need for tighter enforcement and stewardship.
• Data on on-farm AMU remained limited, constraining the ability to promote evidence-based and rational use.
• Laboratory capacity had also been identified as a ‘critical’ area – of 26 regional veterinary labs, only 6 had the capacity and training to conduct Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST). The consistency and quality of lab results were being affected by frequent staff turnover and limited technical expertise.