The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, today released the Government of Canada’s Antimicrobial Resistance and Use in Canada: A Federal Framework for Action. The overuse and misuse of antimicrobials can lead to public health challenges. If antimicrobials are not used properly, than infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites can become resistant to treatment and continue to infect us and our families. In order to protect our health, it is important to take the time to learn more about antimicrobial resistance.
The Framework highlights the actions necessary to address antimicrobial resistance and use in Canada in order to protect Canadians, our animals, and the safety of the food we eat. The framework outlines three strategic areas of focus: surveillance, stewardship, and innovation; and unveils four priority action items:
- establish and strengthen surveillance systems;
- strengthen the promotion of appropriate use of antimicrobials;
- work with partners to strengthen the regulatory framework for veterinary medicines and medicated feeds; and
- promote innovation in the research and development of new antimicrobial drugs and alternatives, new diagnostic tests and ways to counteract the development and spread of resistance.
The Public Health Agency of Canada led the development of the framework in collaboration with Health Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
To read a copy of the framework, visit www.canada.ca/antibiotics.
“Antimicrobial resistance is an emerging health challenge and we all need to work together to reduce the risk. Taking a coordinated collaborative approach with the Federal Framework for Action will help reduce the risks of antimicrobial resistance and protect the health and safety of all Canadians.”
Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
Michael Bolkenius
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 957-2983
