• The Ministry of Health led New Zealand’s first Joint External Evaluation (JEE) of our core capacities under the International Health Regulations (IHR) in 2018. The JEE included a technical area on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A National Health Security Action Plan responding to the JEE findings is being developed currently.
  • The AMR Governance Group (co-chaired by the Ministries of Health and Primary Industries) and the Health AMR Coordination Group (HARC), which includes key stakeholders and partners from across the human health system, were convened to provide ongoing support for implementation of the Action Plan’s activities. The Terms of Reference for both groups were reviewed. 
  • The Ministry of Health, Health Quality & Safety Commission (HQSC) and other key stakeholders worked together to produce AMR messaging in November 2018 to promote:
    • the importance of hand hygiene to stop the spread of infections through Patient Safety Week
    • the appropriate use of antibiotics through World Antibiotic Awareness Week
    • key messages and resources for various stakeholders that were published or linked on the Ministry of Health website.
  • The HQSC led cross-agency work on a national antibiotic awareness school poster competition. Winning posters were used to promote both awareness weeks. An educational pack accompanied the poster competition which identified curriculum links and provided teaching resources and information about antibiotic resistance and hand hygiene in New Zealand.
  • The HARC members contributed to the Health and Disability Services Standards Review process as it relates to optimising the use of antimicrobials and infection, prevention and control.