As the world grapples with the ever-growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), developing countries are increasingly bearing the brunt of its devastating impact. With burgeoning populations, limited access to healthcare, and widespread misuse of life-saving antimicrobials, these nations are especially vulnerable to the rise of drug-resistant infections, Saima Wazed, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for South-East Asia said, in her statement during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), observed annually from November 18-24.
The week aims to increase awareness of global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and to encourage best practices. This year’s theme, “Educate. Advocate. Act now”, reflects the urgency and commitment needed to combat AMR at every level.
As per the WHO, an estimated 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 were directly the result of bacterial AMR, and it also contributed to 4.95 million deaths. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health crisis that occurs when microbes like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop the ability to resist drugs:.
AMR is caused by the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, pollution, lack of access to clean water and sanitation, and climate change.
“The urgency of addressing AMR is clear. High population density, restricted healthcare access, and the misuse of antimicrobials amplify the risks and impacts of AMR, ” the Regional Director said.
She stated that this year, WAAW comes after the landmark approval of the 2024 Political Declaration on AMR at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Meeting on AMR, and the 4th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference, in Jeddah.
“This significant declaration sets ambitious targets while also establishing sustainable financing for AMR action, including the target of at least 60 per cent of countries implementing funded national action plans by 2030, ” Wazed said.
To address the threat of AMR, she urged the global community to take immediate and decisive action “by educating all stakeholders on AMR, advocating for bold political and financial commitments, and ensuring concrete actions are taken”.
“The choices we make today will impact the health of future generations. Your commitment and leadership are key to transforming declarations and commitments into outcomes and impact, ” Wazed said.
AMR is one of the most urgent global health threats and development challenges, killing over a million people a year. New projections associate AMR to 8.2 million deaths annually by 2050. AMR is also a threat to the global economy, impacting international trade, heath care costs and productivity.
A study from the Quadripartite and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) show that globally, AMR could result in additional health care expenditures reaching US$ 412 billion annually, as well as workforce participation and productivity losses of US$ 443 billion, if insufficient action is taken. But this study also shows that implementing critical AMR interventions is a “best buy”, with US$ 7 to 13 expected in return for every US$ 1 of investment.
