The annual assessment survey of the implementation of antimicrobial resistance interventions worldwide has experienced three key developments over the past year. Firstly, the survey’s name has slightly been changed—replacing Tripartite^[1] with Tracking—to become the ‘Tracking Antimicrobial Resistance Country Self-Assessment Survey’, keeping its acronym ‘TrACSS’. Secondly, the extensive review and revision of the TrACSS questionnaire has resulted in separating the terrestrial and aquatic questions and adding more environment-related questions subsequent to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) joining the Tripartite partners to formally become the Quadripartite^[2]. Lastly, but certainly not least, this year received the highest TrACSS responses on record since its introduction six years ago.

A closer look at TrACSS

When UNEP joined the Tripartite last year to become the Quadripartite, the idea of changing the name of the survey to Quadripartite Antimicrobial Resistance Country Self-Assessment Survey was raised. However, upon reflection, the decision was made to simply change ‘Tripartite’ to ‘Tracking’, thereby allowing the survey to retain its acronym ‘TrACSS’ and build on the brand name recognition it already enjoys globally.

Several factors motivated the comprehensive review of the TrACSS questionnaire. Five years had elapsed since the introduction of TrACSS and critical developments had taken place, such as the introduction of the Global Action Plan (GAP) on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) M&E framework in 2019. This framework allowed for improved monitoring and evaluation of the global progress of implementing this Plan. Therefore, the TrACSS questionnaire was reviewed to ensure that the data collected is responsive to the data requirements of the GAP M&E framework. Splitting terrestrial and aquatic data was in part a response to feedback from countries, with this significant disaggregation enhancing the resolution of animal health data. The review also provided the newest member of the Quadripartite, UNEP, the opportunity to collect adequate data for the environmental sector.

Despite a longer TrACSS questionnaire, in 2022, it received the highest responses on record—166 responses—which translates into a 110% increase compared to the first year’s return. This achievement is largely attributable to improved communication, collaboration, and coordination within and across Quadripartite members at global and regional level.

Countries are increasingly relying on TrACSS data as a means of monitoring the implementation of their national action plans on antimicrobial resistance. This reliance on TrACSS data is critical in the absence of dedicated AMR National Action Plan monitoring and evaluation data at the national level.

More information: World Organisation for Animal Health activities on antimicrobial resistance

[1] Tripartite: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, founded as OIE)
[2] Quadripartite: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Health Organization (WHO), World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, founded as OIE)