Antimicrobial Stewardship - Do we need it in Pakistan?

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences
• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Research

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health threat.
• Effective antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASP) are crucial for combating resistance.
• Limited information exists on ASP development and implementation in Pakistan.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically identify and review existing literature on the development and implementation of ASP in Pakistan.
• To highlight the current knowledge status and identify gaps in ASP research within the country.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across major electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, PakMedinet).
• The search covered the period from January 1, 2008, to November 2018.
• Studies focusing on ASP development and implementation within Pakistan were included.

Main Results:

• A significant knowledge gap was identified regarding antimicrobial stewardship in Pakistan.
• Limited research exists on the current status of ASP development and implementation.
• Only two relevant research studies were found to be significant.

Conclusions:

• The development and implementation of ASP are essential in Pakistan.
• There is a substantial knowledge and systematic gap concerning ASP implementation in Pakistani healthcare institutions.
• Further research is urgently needed to address the identified gaps and support effective ASP.