Recommendations for Implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Latin America and the Caribbean: Manual for Public Health Decision-Makers | NLM

Disaster Information Management Research Center | NLM

Recommendations for Implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Latin America and the Caribbean: Manual for Public Health Decision-Makers

11/01/2018 12:00 AM EDT

Source: World Health Organization, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Published: 11/2018. This 144-page manual examines the concept and benefits of antimicrobial stewardship programs, and describes their major components: leadership, human resources, microbiology laboratories, and robust pharmaceutical services. Specific interventions are described, as are the ethical and legal issues related to these programs. Primary health care interventions are given special attention, as over 90 percent of antimicrobial use occurs at the community level, where high antibiotic use may reflect over-prescription, easy access through over-the-counter sales, and, more recently, Internet sales, which are widespread in many countries. (PDF)