An analysis of Australia’s national action plan on antimicrobial resistance using a governance framework

Abstract

Aim: Antimicrobial resistance is a global health crisis which undermines the effectiveness of current modern therapeutics against microbial infections and demands effective governance at all levels to effectively address the challenge. The aim of the study was to analyse Australia’s National Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance using a governance framework to facilitate discussion on the state of implementation. Methods: A governance framework was used to facilitate the systematic analysis of Australia’s National Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance through iterative coding of activities listed within the working documents. Results: From the analysis, 1435 codes were created in congruence with the governance framework. The Australian National Action Plan was aligned with the Global Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance in scope of objectives. The most frequent code was research and innovation (n = 180, 12.5%). The least frequent theme discussed was equity. No strategic vision or objectives were outlined within any of the documents to measure implementation progress. Conclusions: Overall, Australia’s governance on AMR has demonstrated siloed implementation with an absence of strategic objectives to measure progress. Governance structure, surveillance and mechanisms for stakeholder participation have been identified as potential actionable points for AMR strategy refinement that can improve overall accountability towards progress.