South Australian Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan (SAAMRAP) Steering Committee

The South Australian Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan (SAAMRAP) Steering Committee was established in February 2022 to develop an action plan with the aim to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials and minimise the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within South Australia.

What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)? 

AMR occurs when microbes (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites) that cause infections, change over time and no longer respond to the medicines used to treat them (antimicrobials). These medicines can become less effective or ineffective, making infections more difficult or impossible to treat.

What causes AMR?

The main cause of increasing AMR is the use of antimicrobial medicines. Antimicrobials work by killing or stopping a microbe from growing, but sometimes some microbes can survive and multiply, thereby becoming resistant. The more that antimicrobials are used, especially when they are not used properly or if used when they are not needed, the greater the risk of resistant microbes.

Why is AMR a problem?

Microbes can spread between humans and animals and though our environment. Microbes which have become resistant to antimicrobials will also spread between humans, animals, and the environment, but they are harder to treat than non-resistant microbes, and can lead to more serious illness, and death. Some microbes have become resistant to most or all available antimicrobials and are sometimes referred to as “superbugs” or "superbacteria".

What is 'One Health'?

'One Health' is an approach that recognises that human health is closely related to animal health and the health of our shared environment. Using the One Health approach in the fight against AMR is essential in achieving optimal health outcomes, whilst acknowledging the inter-dependant relationship between humans, animals, and the environment.

How is SA tackling the problem of AMR?

Australia’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy – 2020 and Beyond recognises that we must work together at a local level, nationally, and globally to manage AMR. The One Health Master Action Plan provides guidance on implementing Australia's National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy  — 2020 and Beyond, by highlighting the focus areas for each of the One Health sectors to assist with meeting the objectives outlined in the strategy.

South Australia is, in accordance with the national strategy, currently developing an AMR Action Plan as part of the SA State Public Health Plan 2019-2024 (PDF 1,060KB). A cross-sector gap analysis has been completed to identify key areas where action is needed for the state to meet the requirements of the national strategy.

Recent One Health publications

Coombs G W, Daley D et al. Genomic characterisation of CC398 MRSA causing severe disease in Australia, International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 2022, V 59 (4)

Upcoming events

Contact us

If you have any questions or want to learn more about the development of the SA AMR Action Plan, please email Health.AMRSecretariat@sa.gov.au.