Antmicrobial resistance is a threat to effective treatment of infectious diseases. Since the topic was first discussed at the ICDRA in 1996, much has been accomplished in this area. However, if the emergence of resistance is to be slowed, much more needs to be done. The following are urgent recommendations for all regulatory authorities to implement.

1. All countries should make containment of antimicrobial resistance a national priority by creating an intersectoral task-force to bring together all interested parties and ensure collaboration among the various professional groups.

2. National systems should be created to monitor and analyse antimicrobial usage in food animals and humans by collecting data from hospitals and in the community and linking these findings to resistance and disease surveillance data.

3. Efforts should continue in regulating anti-microbials, while addressing the need for availability at all levels of the health care system.

4. Promotional activities should continue to be regulated by ensuring adherence to guidelines for ethical promotion of medicines.

5. Education of health professionals in rational prescribing and of patients in compliance should be encouraged. Awareness of antimicrobial resistance should be raised within regulatory authorities.

6. The pharmaceutical industry should pay particular attention to GMP and quality issues in relation to the production of antimicrobials, as well as to labelling of their products.

7. Regional and international collaboration should continue and progress reported back to the ICDRA.