The Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS) aims to encourage global standardization of antimicrobial resistance surveillance. It’s vital for us to begin developing standardized approaches, so that we have systems and data that can be compared between countries. GLASS, which is currently under development, focuses very much on the importance of linking laboratory data to patients. One of the challenges we have in many countries is that labs have an awful lot of data, but if it’s not actually linked to patients, it’s very difficult to interpret.
If possible, diagnostic professionals should consider getting engaged with GLASS, no matter where in the world they are or how they work. The system tries to build from where countries are right now, acknowledging that some countries have much more capacity than others; it’s trying to get everybody involved and starting to work to the same standards.
Who?
The World Health Organization.
What?
A system that collects and reports data on antimicrobial resistance rates. Ultimately, it will allow data to be shared and compared between countries, as well as expanding its data collection activities to include information on the implementation status of national surveillance systems.
Where?
http://tp.txp.to/GLASS/world/health
When?
The first formal call for 2016 data will be open from April to July of 2017.
How?
Those wishing to enroll should contact the GLASS Secretariat. Once enrolled, they will register in the GLASS IT platform, submit data on the current and retrospective status of national antimicrobial resistance surveillance, and participate in technical discussions.
Elizabeth Tayler is Senior Technical Officer of Antimicrobial Resistance for the World Health Organization.
