The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is steadily increasing in Bangladesh, with antibiotic-resistant microbes emerging as a growing public health concern, Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain told Parliament on Wednesday.
Responding to a tabled starred question from BNP lawmaker Joynal Abdin, elected from Feni-2, the minister said the irrational and excessive use of antibiotics, limitations in infection prevention and the uncontrolled use of antimicrobials in both human and animal sectors are contributing to the worsening situation.
“As a result, the risk of antibiotic-resistant microbes spreading into the environment is increasing and medical treatment is becoming more complex,” he said.
The minister said the government has undertaken a range of initiatives to strengthen the country's capacity to identify pathogens and detect antimicrobial resistance.
Among the key measures are the implementation of the National Action Plan on AMR and coordinated interventions under the One Health approach, which integrates efforts across human, animal and environmental health sectors.
He said the government is also operating and expanding a national AMR surveillance programme to monitor resistance trends across the country.
To improve diagnostic capacity, modern microbiology laboratories have been established and upgraded in various government medical college hospitals and specialised institutions, he added.
These facilities are enhancing the country's ability to identify pathogens and conduct culture and sensitivity tests to determine antimicrobial susceptibility, the minister said.
The initiatives also include the supply of modern laboratory equipment and reagents, as well as training programmes to improve the skills and expertise of laboratory personnel.
The minister said infection prevention and control (IPC) measures and antimicrobial stewardship programmes are being implemented to promote the responsible use of antibiotics and reduce the spread of resistant organisms.
In addition, the government is conducting research to assess AMR trends, identify risk factors and develop effective prevention strategies.
Public awareness campaigns are also underway to discourage the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, he added.
The minister said these efforts are helping strengthen the detection, surveillance and control of antimicrobial-resistant microbes across the country.