A Mid-Term Evaluation of Thailand National Strategic Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2017-2021

Abstract

The National Strategic Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2017-2021, which is Thailand’s first strategic plan addressing AMR issue, was endorsed by the cabinet in 2016. After halfway through the strategic plan’s implementation in 2019, a mid-term evaluation was conducted to assess the progression and develop recommendations for the next step. In this evaluation qualitative approach, including document review and in-depth interview were conducted during July to October 2019 and September to November 2019, respectively. It is suggested that the strategic plan conformed to the One Health principles and provided clearer guidance for management of AMR problems. The governance structure from the national committee, subcommittees, working groups, and coordinating team for each strategy, had a high contribution to the work progression through strong collaboration between respective organizations. Most of the activities were operated as planned. However, the evaluation showed lacks of participation efforts from some government institutes. The important factors that affected the implementation of the national AMR strategy included budget availability, executives at ministry and organizational level, coordinating personnel for each strategy, sufficient supporting knowledge, and clear framework for operation. It also found that despite well-defined monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, ineffective surveillance systems and databases were identified as crucial limitations. Moreover, many of the activities under the strategic plan needed to be improved especially those responsible by the organizations relatively new to the AMR management measures. For these organizations, persistent supports in terms of budget, capacity building, academic, and executives’ cooperation were recommended.