What is a WHO Collaborating Centre?
A WHO collaborating centre is an institution designated by the Director-General of World Health Organization (WHO) to form part of an international collaborative network set up by WHO in support of its programme at the country, intercountry, regional, interregional and global levels. In line with the WHO policy and strategy of technical cooperation, a WHO collaborating centre also participates in the strengthening of country resources, in terms of information, services, research and training, in support of national health development.
About us
The WHO Collaborating Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance works under the leadership of the WHO, particularly the Western Pacific Regional Office, to strengthen and build antimicrobial stewardship and laboratory capacity for diagnosis and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of microorganisms to resist being killed by antimicrobials, which poses a major and rapidly growing threat to the prevention and treatment of infections, and to public health globally.
Based at the Doherty Institute, in Melbourne, Australia, the Centre is one of 30 designated AMR Collaborating Centres worldwide in place to support the WHO with activities to prevent, detect and monitor, and respond to AMR.
The Centre works to support countries by advancing the implementation of AMR National Action Plans and the Framework for Accelerating Action to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance in the Western Pacific Region. Working closely with Member States, the Centre offers support to strengthen surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, and infection prevention and control programs through technical expertise, guidance and training. The Centre also works to raise awareness of the vital need to address AMR, by way of advocacy and the development and implementation of evidence-based policies and practices.