In particular, the AGISAR group assists the WHO on subjects relating to the integrated surveillance of antibiotic resistance and the control of resistance to antibiotics linked to food.
The terms of reference of the AGISAR group are as follows:
- develop harmonized guidelines for surveillance of antibiotic resistance in zoonotic and enteric bacteria (including recommendations on an appropriate sampling scheme);
- support WHO capacity-building activities in Member States for monitoring antibiotic resistance (GFN (Global Foodborne Infections Network) training modules);
- promote the exchange of information on antibiotic resistance;
- provide expert advice to the WHO for the control of antibiotic resistance with a particular focus on antibiotics of critical importance for humans;
- support and advise the WHO on the selection of sentinel sites and the implementation of pilot projects for the establishment of integrated surveillance of antibiotic resistance;
- support WHO capacity-building activities in Member States for monitoring antibiotic use.
