M. Waqar Bhatti:
Islamabad: Global leaders have approved a political declaration at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), committing to a clear set of ambitious targets and actions. Notably, the declaration aims to reduce the estimated 4.95 million human deaths associated with bacterial AMR annually by 10% by 2030.
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The declaration establishes a significant goal that at least 70% of antibiotics used for human health globally should belong to the WHO Access group, which includes antibiotics known for their minimal side effects and lower potential to contribute to AMR.
Additionally, it sets ambitious targets for infection prevention and control (IPC). By 2030, the declaration aims to ensure that 100% of countries have access to basic water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management services in all healthcare facilities, with 90% of countries meeting all of WHO’s minimum requirements for IPC programs.
To further support these initiatives, the declaration commits to investing in equitable access and appropriate use of antimicrobials, as well as improving surveillance data reporting on antimicrobial use and AMR across various sectors.
In the realms of agriculture and animal health, the declaration commits to meaningfully reducing the quantity of antimicrobials used in agri-food systems by 2030. This goal will be pursued by prioritizing and funding infection prevention and control measures, alongside ensuring responsible and evidence-based use of antimicrobials in animal health.
These efforts will align with the WOAH list of priority diseases and FAO’s RENOFARM initiative, integrating preventive strategies such as animal vaccination, good husbandry practices, biosecurity measures, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) protocols.
On the environmental front, the declaration highlights the need to prevent and address the discharge of antimicrobials into ecosystems. It calls for increased research and awareness regarding the environmental dimensions of AMR and urges catalyzed actions to tackle key sources of antimicrobial pollution.
Recognizing AMR as a complex challenge, the declaration emphasizes the necessity of a multisectoral response that integrates interventions across human, agricultural, animal, and environmental health sectors.
Global champions involved with the meeting included Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, AMR survivors, and various civil society organizations, all advocating for decisive action against this pressing health issue.
As AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to medicines, the implications for human and animal health are profound, leading to increased risks of disease spread, severe illness, and mortality.
With the framework established by the declaration, leaders aim to mobilize global, regional, and national efforts to combat AMR through a One Health approach, recognizing the interdependence of human, animal, plant, and environmental health.
