Implementation Review of the Philippine National Action Plan (PNAP) to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) through One Health Approach 2019-2023 and the Development of a New Medium-Term AMR Action Plan for 2024-2028
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains one of the most urgent public health challenges of our time—threatening not only health systems, but also agriculture, the environment, and the economy. Recognizing the complexity of this issue, the Philippine government adopted a One Health approach in crafting its National Action Plans (PNAP) to Combat AMR.
In 2023, the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health – Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI) was engaged by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to support the review of the 2019–2023 PNAP and to co-develop the third iteration of the plan for 2024–2028.
The new action plan builds on the lessons of the past five years and seeks to mobilize stakeholders across human health, animal and plant health, agriculture, the environment, education, and the economy. Its objectives go beyond policy development—placing stronger emphasis on implementation, sustainability, and accountability mechanisms to ensure that AMR strategies are not just designed, but delivered effectively.
ACRI’s role was to provide technical assistance, research expertise, and facilitation throughout the review and drafting process. By integrating evidence-based recommendations and ensuring the meaningful engagement of multiple sectors, ACRI contributed to shaping a roadmap that is both ambitious and grounded in practical realities.
AMR threatens to undermine decades of progress in medicine and public health. Without urgent, coordinated action, common infections could once again become untreatable, jeopardizing patient outcomes and increasing healthcare costs. The 2024–2028 PNAP is a critical step forward: it lays down a clear strategy for the Philippines to contain AMR through surveillance, stewardship, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration.
For ACRI, this project underscores our mission of bridging research, policy, and practice. By working with national and international partners, we aim to ensure that the fight against AMR remains a top priority—and that solutions are sustainable, inclusive, and impactful for communities across the country.
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Advancing vaccine uptake to mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in low and middle-income countries of South or South-East Asia
This project explores how strengthening vaccine uptake can serve as a key strategy to mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the Philippines and across South and South-East Asia. By reducing the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases and the unnecessary use of antibiotics, the study aims to provide actionable recommendations for national and institutional stakeholders to better integrate vaccination initiatives into AMR control efforts, ultimately contributing to stronger, more resilient health systems.
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Understand and mitigating the influence of extreme weather events on HIV outcomes: A global investigation
The Philippines faces the dual crises of a rapidly expanding HIV epidemic and intensifying climate-related disasters, yet little is known about how extreme weather events affect HIV prevention, treatment, and care. This study addresses that gap by examining the impacts of typhoons, floods, and droughts on people living with HIV, with a focus on vulnerable populations such as men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, and people who inject drugs. The findings will provide vital evidence to inform climate-adaptive HIV care strategies and guide policies that protect at-risk communities during environmental crises.