This Maldives’ National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2024–2029) outlines a strengthened One Health strategy to address rising antimicrobial resistance across human health, animal health, food production, and the environment. The Plan builds on the first NAP (2017–2022), which aligned with the WHO Global Action Plan but faced challenges such as weak governance structures, limited surveillance capacity, and inadequate coordination. The 2024–2029 Plan introduces new priorities, including establishing a National AMR Coordination Unit, forming a high-level multi-sectoral steering committee, and enhancing regulatory systems to ensure proper antimicrobial oversight.
The Plan identifies persistent gaps—such as poor AMR surveillance across sectors, insufficient trained personnel, and low awareness of environmental AMR risks—and proposes targeted improvements. These include digitalizing reporting systems, integrating AMR activities into existing health and agricultural programs, strengthening infection prevention and control, and improving antimicrobial stewardship. The document emphasizes sustained political commitment, cross-sector collaboration, and investment in research, innovation, and monitoring to mitigate AMR risks and protect public health in the Maldives.