Recently, the National Health and Family Planning Commission, the National Development and Reform Commission, and 12 other departments jointly issued the “National Action Plan to Curb Bacterial Resistance (2016–2020)” (hereinafter referred to as the “Action Plan”). The key points are set out below:
　　I. Background to the Issuance of the Action Plan  
　　Antimicrobial agents are widely used in healthcare and agricultural animal husbandry, playing a crucial role in treating infectious diseases to save lives, preventing and controlling animal epidemics to enhance farming productivity, and safeguarding public health. However, due to a variety of factors, bacterial resistance is becoming increasingly severe, not only rendering antimicrobials progressively ineffective but also potentially giving rise to multidrug‑resistant pathogens for which no effective treatments exist. Bacterial resistance has thus emerged as a major global public health challenge, drawing widespread attention from China and the international community. The World Health Organization, the World Organisation for Animal Health, as well as international organizations and countries such as the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, have all implemented proactive measures to address this issue. During China’s tenure as the G20 rotating presidency, numerous meetings have been convened to discuss bacterial resistance.
　　In recent years, although the National Health and Family Planning Commission, the Ministry of Agriculture, and other agencies have undertaken extensive efforts in antimicrobial stewardship and achieved certain results, the factors driving bacterial resistance and its consequences are multifaceted, spanning multiple sectors and involving numerous government departments. Without timely action to contain these challenges, humanity could once again face the threat of infectious diseases, with adverse implications such as heightened biosecurity risks, exacerbated environmental pollution, and constraints on economic development. There is an urgent need to strengthen cross-sectoral coordination and collaborative responses.
　　Accordingly, 14 government departments—including the National Health and Family Planning Commission, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Land and Resources, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Culture, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, the State Food and Drug Administration, the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the Health Bureau of the Logistics Support Department of the Central Military Commission—have convened relevant experts to formulate and issue the “National Action Plan to Curb Bacterial Resistance (2016–2020),” based on extensive public consultation. The plan aims to launch a coordinated, multi‑sectoral effort at the national level to effectively curb bacterial resistance, safeguard public health, and promote sustainable economic and social development.
　　II. Main Contents of the Action Plan  
　　The Action Plan comprises four sections: the Preface, Work Objectives, Key Measures, and Supporting Measures. The specific details are as follows:
　　(1) Work Objectives. A clear set of objectives has been established: at the national level, implement comprehensive governance strategies and measures; strengthen oversight across all stages—research and development, production, distribution, clinical use, and environmental protection—of antimicrobial agents; enhance public awareness‑raising and education; and promote international cooperation and exchange to address the risks and challenges posed by bacterial resistance. By 2020, specific targets will be achieved in six key areas: new drug R&D, prescription‑only dispensing, surveillance and evaluation, clinical application, veterinary drug use, and training and education.
　　(II) Key Measures. The Action Plan clearly defines the responsibilities of each department and outlines nine major areas of action for preventing and controlling bacterial resistance: First, leverage the advantages of joint prevention and control mechanisms and fulfill departmental duties; second, intensify research and development efforts related to antimicrobial agents; third, strengthen management of the supply and availability of antimicrobial drugs; fourth, enhance the systems for the rational use of antimicrobials and for monitoring and controlling resistance; fifth, improve the surveillance systems for antimicrobial use and bacterial resistance; sixth, build the capacity of healthcare professionals in the prevention and control of bacterial resistance; seventh, reinforce measures to prevent environmental contamination by antimicrobial agents; eighth, expand public awareness‑raising and education initiatives; and ninth, promote extensive international exchanges and cooperation. Each section sets forth specific, actionable measures, with clear lines of responsibility assigned to relevant departments, thereby facilitating effective implementation at all levels.
　　(III) Safeguard Measures. The Action Plan specifies the allocation of resources for facilities, equipment, and personnel training related to bacterial resistance control; establishes an advisory expert committee to provide guidance and policy recommendations on antimicrobial stewardship and resistance management; and sets forth requirements for local authorities regarding oversight, inspection, and the implementation of assigned tasks and objectives.

Source: National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People’s Republic of China