Moderators: Dr A. Broekmans, Netherlands, and Dr E. Gabrielian, Armenia

The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance poses a major challenge to the quality and cost of healthcare systems worldwide. Effective interventions are urgently needed to contain emerging resistance - without these the problem will inevitably worsen, with dramatic human and financial consequences. The WHO Global Strategy for the Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance provides a practical framework and helps to prioritize those interventions that are likely to be most effective.

The future containment of antimicrobial resistance requires a coordinated multidimensional approach in which effective change in antimicrobial usage, infection control and epidemiologically-sound resistance surveillance are key objectives. The WHO Global Strategy aims to fulfil these goals.