Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) of Japan today signed a 'Letter of Intent' to collaborate on research in the field of antimicrobial resistance.
It was signed on the sidelines of the meeting of the Health Ministers from WHO South East Asia Region and Western Pacific Region countries here in the presence of Union Health Minister J P Nadda, an official statement said.
Terming the collaboration as another "significant" milestone in the strong ties between the two countries, Nadda said it will further help in deepening the relations between the two in research and development in scientific areas, particularly public health.
"The letter of Intent noted 'Recognising' the global burden of antimicrobial resistance and its impact on global health security, 'Recalling' the memorandum of cooperation between Health Ministry of Japan and India in the field of healthcare signed on September 1, 2014...
"...Desiring to start collaboration between NIID of Japan and ICMR of the Republic of India in antimicrobial resistance research to include but not limited to areas, including development of integrated surveillance program covering epidemiology data and genomic data of antimicrobial resistance in each country," the letter of intent said.
It also said that there will be mutual exchange of information on molecular and epidemiological antimicrobial resistance data between both the nations by developing comparable surveillance program in each country.
During the meet, Nadda emphasised the importance of collaborative effort and mobilising the necessary resources for the implementation of antimicrobial resistance national action plans in all countries.
The Health Minister also underscored the need to encourage research, development and discovery of new drugs to ensure equitable and affordable access.
