In the ever-evolving landscape of public health challenges, the Scottish One Health Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance (SONAAR) programme, spearheaded by ARHAI Scotland, has emerged as a beacon of progress. The recently released SONAAR report not only delves into the intricacies of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) but also emphasises the interconnectedness of human health, animal well-being, and environmental sustainability—a cornerstone of the ‘One Health’ philosophy.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped healthcare delivery worldwide, presenting unique challenges in tracking and addressing AMR. The SONAAR report acknowledges the impact of the pandemic on healthcare priorities, necessitating a nuanced interpretation of the results within the context of this global crisis. As healthcare services adapted to address the pandemic, the SONAAR programme remained steadfast in its mission to improve public health outcomes.
At the heart of SONAAR lies a commitment to the ‘One Health’ approach, recognising the inextricable links between the health of humans, animals, and the environment. By providing intelligence and evidence for action, SONAAR informs the development of targeted interventions and initiatives at both local and national levels. The programme’s scope extends beyond humans, incorporating data on antimicrobial use and resistance in animals and the environment, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
The SONAAR programme is guided by three overarching objectives:
- ‘One Health’ Tackling of AMR: Recognising the interconnected nature of health, SONAAR adopts an internationally recognised ‘One Health’ approach to effectively address AMR.
- Providing Actionable Intelligence: SONAAR serves as a crucial source of intelligence and evidence, facilitating the development of interventions to combat AMR. The programme’s insights inform both local and national initiatives aimed at reducing the burden of antimicrobial resistance.
- Sustaining Antimicrobial Preservation: In line with the overarching goal of preserving antimicrobials, SONAAR works towards reducing drug-resistant infections and mitigating the risk of infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms.
The SONAAR report emphasises the importance of minimising the spread of AMR through the environment, aligning with the UK’s five-year national action plan (NAP). ARHAI Scotland has collaborated closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to gather crucial intelligence supporting the environmental AMR ambition.
SEPA, a core member of the One Health Breakthrough Partnership, plays a pivotal role in this initiative by analysing water samples from designated bathing water sites throughout Scotland. This includes monitoring for the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and intestinal enterococci during the bathing water season. Notably, SEPA began testing and reporting on cefotaxime resistance in E. coli in 2018 and has recently expanded its AMR monitoring repertoire to include vancomycin resistance in enterococci.
ARHAI Scotland, alongside partners such as Public Health Scotland, SEPA, Scotland’s Rural College, and others, will play a crucial role in supporting the development of the Scottish Government Waste Water Monitoring Programme.
The SONAAR report stands as a testament to the dedication of ARHAI Scotland and its partners in addressing the complex challenge of AMR. By embracing a ‘One Health’ approach and recognising the interconnectedness of our health with that of animals and the environment, we pave the way for a healthier and more sustainable future. The collaborative efforts outlined in the report signal a promising trajectory in the ongoing battle against antimicrobial resistance.
Read the SONAAR report here:
