Sri Lanka’s One Health Drive Against Antimicrobial Resistance

Sri Lanka is translating the One Health vision into field action to slow antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The approach links human, animal, agricultural and environmental systems. It aims to secure access to lifesaving medicines while preventing misuse. Multi-sectoral structures now steer policy, surveillance and behaviour change nationwide.

Policy foundations and governance

The first National Strategic Plan for AMR (2017–2022) created the National Focal Point under the Health Ministry and set cross-government commitments. The second National Action Plan (2023–2028), with a costed 2023–2025 operational plan, prioritises surveillance, laboratory capacity, stewardship, infection prevention and control, research and environmental safety. Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Environment coordinate with professional bodies, academia and partners to maintain policy coherence and shared accountability.

Surveillance and diagnostics scaling

Sri Lanka is expanding its National AMR Surveillance Network across human and animal health laboratories. Support from WHO, FAO and the Fleming Fund strengthens microbial identification and susceptibility testing. Data feeds hospital stewardship and national decisions and is reported to global platforms such as GLASS and InFARM. Diagnostic stewardship and upgraded infection prevention programmes aim to cut empirical prescribing and reduce unnecessary antimicrobial use.

Awareness, stewardship and behaviour change

Behaviour change underpins the national response. During World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) 2025, the Clean Sri Lanka campaign amplifies the theme “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future” and the message “Antimicrobials: Handle with Care.” Joint communications target clinicians, veterinarians, farmers, pharmacists, schools and communities. Outreach by Medical Officers of Health, Public Health Inspectors and Public Health Midwives promotes vaccination, hygiene, biosafety and safe food handling to lower infection risks and drug demand.

Exam Oriented Facts

• National AMR plans: 2017–2022 (first) and 2023–2028 (second) with a 2023–2025 operational plan.
• Surveillance data reported to GLASS and InFARM; networks span human and animal labs.
• WAAW 2025 theme: “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future.”
• One Health coordination involves Health, Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Environment ministries.

One Health in practice: humans, animals, environment

Joint training, surveillance and research now bridge sectors. Environmental monitoring is planned for antimicrobial residues in water and effluents from hospitals and farms. In animal health, farm-level audits and veterinarian training promote responsible prescribing. Food and fisheries stakeholders align safety standards with AMR goals. The next phase seeks sustained financing, institutionalised stewardship across care settings, stronger regulation of importation and distribution, and continuous engagement with industry. International collaboration with WHO, FAO, WOAH and the Fleming Fund will keep Sri Lanka aligned with global standards while addressing local realities.