| Introduction: Give a brief description of AMR. Body: What are the strengths and weaknesses of NAP-AMR Conclusion: Way forward |
India has taken a major step in addressing the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is becoming an increasing worldwide concern, by implementing the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) introduced in 2017. According to 2021 Lancet research that included data from 204 countries, 1.27 million deaths were directly linked to bacterial AMR, and 4.95 million deaths were anticipated to be related to the disease highest in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Strength of the current program
- Data Collection and Surveillance: The strategy places a strong emphasis on gathering data and conducting surveillance, which includes keeping an eye on how antibiotics are used in agriculture, human health, and animals. India can emulate best practices from Indonesia’s surveillance programs.
- Awareness and Education: The plan encourages healthcare workers, the general public, and the veterinary and agricultural industries to become more knowledgeable about AMR. This is essential for promoting responsible behaviour and lowering antibiotic abuse.
- Multi-Sectoral Approach: The multi-sectoral approach of India’s NAP-AMR is one of its outstanding features. The recognition that AMR is not just a problem for human health but also a result of antibiotic abuse in veterinary and environmental settings involves multiple ministries, including Health, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, and Environment.
Weakness of the program
- Challenges with Implementation: Although the NAP-AMR is extensive, there are several obstacles to its successful use. Because of administrative obstacles and resource limitations, the plan’s success depends on the cooperation and dedication of multiple ministries, which might be difficult.
- Restricted Access to Good Healthcare: Throughout India, there exist regional differences in the availability of high-quality healthcare. The issue of AMR can be made worse by inadequate healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural regions where it might result in the improper use of antibiotics.
- Difficulties in Changing Behaviour: It can be difficult to influence the public’s and healthcare practitioners’ antibiotic-using behaviour. The approach places a strong emphasis on awareness and education, but it can take time and effort to change deeply set habits and attitudes.
Conclusion
The G20 countries ought to work together to develop regional AMR programs and think about creating a global financing source specifically for AMR R&D. To encourage innovation and guarantee the affordability of new antibiotics, efforts should be made to support patent reforms. AMR containment measures should be strengthened by government programs like Free Diagnostic Services and Kayakalp, which follow strict guidelines set forth by Indian Public Health Standards. Lastly, academic institutions and civil society organizations (CSOs) must participate in these initiatives to raise awareness and advocate for policy changes.
