Committee
Introduction
Aims of the Working Group
Participation

Committee
Chairs	Jim Hutchinson (Canada) Gabriel Levy Hara (Argentina) glevyhara@fibertel.com.ar Honorary Secretary Ian Gould (Scotland) i.m.gould@abdn.ac.uk

Introduction
Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most urgent threats facing people from all parts of the world. The ISC is in an excellent position to help address the issue by fostering collaboration on a global scale.

Aims of the Working Group
1. To create a worldwide web-based compilation of antimicrobial stewardship efforts and activities, the people involved with them, their products and accomplishments. This internet database and interface will display the collected information and promote sharing.

This content management software will be used as a platform for further Antimicrobial Stewardship Working Group initiatives, that might include the design, in cooperation with related scientific societies, governmental and non- governmental organizations:

• international studies of antimicrobial consumption in all five continents encouraging the use of ABC Calc to measure consumption and interrupted time series (ITS) for analysis of data.
• distance learning courses to address specific and locally prevalent problems (e.g., rational management of URI, principles and experiences with antimicrobial stewardship programs, frequent problems regarding antimicrobial use in the elderly, etc).

2. To work with pharmacists of the different countries in common aspects (regulation, educational programs) regarding use and misuse of antimicrobials.
3. To advocate for the regulation of sales and distribution of antimicrobials worldwide.
4. To hold meetings to highlight stewardship issues.

Participation
We are inviting you / your designee / colleague of your society and/or country working on antimicrobial stewardship- to join us in this new project. If you want to join us, please contact Dr. Gabriel Levy Hara (glevyhara@fibertel.com.ar).

Last edition: décembre 1, 2009