Responding to the Silent Epidemic of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a threat to animal and plant health, resulting in major food security and food safety concerns. The World Bank estimates that unchecked AMR is likely to reduce annual global gross domestic product by 1.1 percent by 2050. Ninety-five percent of the world’s population currently live in nations that have finalised national action plans (NAPs) for AMR. The Quadripartite Organizations have advocated a One Health (OH) approach for dealing with health challenges at the human-, animal-, plant-, and environment- interface, both globally and regionally. The G20 has been focused on a OH multi-stakeholder approach. Key policy points for the G20 agenda include: • Promoting AMR awareness and understanding through knowledge dissemination and capacity building of healthcare workers, policymakers, and other stakeholders. • Strengthening surveillance and research on antimicrobials that should lead to reduction of AMR in humans, animals, and the environment. • Enhancing access to and safe use of antimicrobials in agriculture, animals, and humans. Committing increased financial investment and building a case for return on investment on new antimicrobials, diagnostics, and other innovations that are country- and region-specific.