Evidence brief for policy. Number 6: Strengthening Romania’s health system to address antimicrobial resistance (2020)

This report is the first evidence brief for policy produced in Romania within the framework of the WHO European Evidence-informed Policy Network. It was prepared by the Public Health Research Centre of the Department of Public Health and Management, in partnership with the (1st) Department of Microbiology, from the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest. The working group identified, selected, appraised, and synthesized relevant research evidence on the problem, three options for tackling it and considerations in implementing them. The three options are: (1) consolidate and coordinate the legal framework for antimicrobial resistance in Romania, focusing on two layers (first, the legal framework for antimicrobial resistance control at national level, and second, a national antibiotic stewardship programme at the operational level); (2) align funding arrangements to facilitate antimicrobial resistance control, antibiotic stewardship programmes and infection prevention and control programmes; and (3) develop and implement programmes to provide information, improve education and strengthen communication among medical professionals and the public.