Sri Lanka’s One Health Drive Against Antimicrobial Resistance

• Sri Lanka has intensified its national fight against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) through a One Health approach , integrating human, animal, agricultural, and environmental sectors. The initiative seeks to preserve the effectiveness of lifesaving medicines while ensuring responsible antimicrobial use. Supported by WHO, FAO, WOAH, and the Fleming Fund , Sri Lanka’s strategy represents a model for coordinated public health governance in South Asia.

Policy Framework and Coordination

• The first National Strategic Plan for AMR (2017–2022) established the National Focal Point under the Ministry of Health, setting the foundation for multi-sectoral collaboration. The second National Action Plan (2023–2028) , accompanied by a costed 2023–2025 operational plan , prioritises surveillance, laboratory capacity, infection prevention and control, antimicrobial stewardship, and environmental monitoring . Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Environment jointly oversee implementation, ensuring policy coherence and accountability.

Strengthening Surveillance and Diagnostics

• Sri Lanka’s National AMR Surveillance Network now spans both human and animal health laboratories , generating data for global systems like GLASS (Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System) and InFARM (International FAO Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring) . Diagnostic upgrades, infection control measures, and clinician training aim to reduce empirical antibiotic prescribing and improve treatment precision.

Awareness and Behavioural Change

• Public awareness is central to the campaign. During World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) 2025 , Sri Lanka launched the “Clean Sri Lanka” campaign under the theme “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future.” Outreach efforts involve clinicians, veterinarians, farmers, pharmacists, and schools , promoting vaccination, hygiene, biosafety, and responsible drug use.

Exam Pointers

• National AMR Plans: 2017–2022 (1st), 2023–2028 (2nd)

• Operational Plan: 2023–2025

• Reporting Systems: GLASS and InFARM

• WAAW 2025 Theme: “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future”

• Sectors Involved: Health, Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Environment

Future Goals

The next phase targets sustained funding , regulation of antimicrobial import and distribution , and environmental residue monitoring . With continued global collaboration, Sri Lanka’s One Health model aims to strengthen AMR containment and sustainable public health systems .