The importance of stewardship

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing public health threat that at times may appear to be unsolvable. However, in the last few years, great advances have been made to address this issue in Canada and around the world. Our Federal Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance and Use in Canada has identified three pillars to address antimicrobial resistance: surveillance, stewardship and innovation. In this supplement are examples of successful stewardship programs for the community, physicians and health care organizations; there are many more. Given that we know successful stewardship programs are possible, it is important to continue this work across the country. Each success helps and multiple successes can create a synergistic effect that can lead to a change in patient expectations and prescribing patterns. Our antimicrobials are a precious resource. It is well worth the effort to contribute to this synergy and build a culture of stewardship so that antimicrobials will continue to be effective for generations to come.