Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau convened the 10th meeting of the High Level Steering Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) today to review the implementation of the Hong Kong Strategy & Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2023-2027). 

Noting that human health is closely intertwined with the health of animals and the environment, Prof Lo said that a “One Health” approach is required to tackle the issue, adding that interdepartmental and multidisciplinary co-ordination is particularly important.

“I am pleased to see continuous improvements in various aspects through cross-sector collaboration.”

Under the steering committee’s leadership, a series of initiatives was implemented, including the launch of the Computerised Transaction Record System in June for voluntary participation by licensed pharmaceutical traders, while legislative amendments will be initiated in a timely manner to mandate the systematic recording of antimicrobial prescriptions and dispensing through electronic means.

The initiatives also include enhancing surveillance and dissemination of AMR data in food, and implementing the "veterinary prescription-only medication supply" policy in local food animal farms.

At the meeting, the steering committee evaluated the latest local situation of AMR by analysing the latest surveillance data from various sectors, including human health data which showed the wholesale supply of antimicrobials to community pharmacies continually dropped from 18.5% in 2016 to 3.45 last year.

The Hospital Authority, promoting the prudent use of antimicrobials through a stewardship programme, introduced an electronic platform last year to leverage data analytics to generate automatic reminders to clinicians to facilitate the review of antibiotic usage. The use of relevant broad-spectrum antibiotics dropped by 3.1% last year compared with 2023.

As regards animal health, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department has commenced a phased withdrawal of the Antibiotics Permits issued to local livestock farmers since October 2020 to tighten the use of antimicrobials in animal husbandry, in particular those critically important antimicrobials for humans.

With the maturation of veterinary services and pharmaceutical supplies to local livestock farmers supported by the Sustainable Agricultural Development Fund, the department has ceased issuing the permits.

Regarding food safety, the Centre for Food Safety has organised workshops for food handlers, formulated guidelines for the food trade, conducted inspections and promoted public education to further enhance people's awareness of AMR.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Department commissioned local universities and testing institutions to conduct surveys on residual antibiotic amount and environmental AMR levels in different environmental waters from 2020 to 2025. The survey findings showed that the median levels of residual antibiotics in the local aquatic environment were below the "Predicted No Effect Concentration", indicating no material impact on the aquatic environment.

The steering committee will make every effort to combat the threat of AMR through multi-sectoral collaboration, the Health Bureau said, adding that the progress achieved so far underscores the importance of evidence-based strategies, strengthening surveillance and research as well as enhancing public awareness.