Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: Global and India Efforts

Source: The post Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: Global and India Efforts has been created, based on the article “How to fight back against the toughest diseases” published in “Indian Express” on 23rd November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

Context: The article discusses the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), its global impact, and India’s efforts to combat it. It highlights surveillance improvements, policy actions, and India’s need for better governance, investments, and research to strengthen AMR containment and save lives.

For detailed information on UN’s urgent call for action against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) read this article here

What is AMR and why is it a threat?

1. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microbes become resistant to drugs used to treat them. Drug-resistant infections are difficult to treat and cause many deaths.

2. In 2021, AMR caused 1.14 million deaths globally, with the highest burden in South Asia and Africa.
3. Older adults are most vulnerable, with deaths in those aged 70+ increasing by 80% between 1990 and 2021.
4. Projections by economist Jim O’Neill in 2014 estimated that AMR could cause 10 million annual deaths by 2050.

What steps were taken to address AMR globally?

1. In 2015, the WHO launched the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS).
2. GLASS now includes 137 countries and provides standardized AMR data.
3. The Global Action Plan on AMR was adopted in 2015, and the UN passed a resolution on AMR in 2016.
4. The UNGA in 2023 committed to reducing AMR deaths by 10% by 2030 and called for $100 million in catalytic funding.

What has India done to combat AMR?

1. India launched its National Action Plan (NAP) on AMR in 2017.
2. It monitors AMR trends through national networks and has expanded to secondary-level hospitals.
3. The National Essential Diagnostics List mandates microbiology labs in district hospitals, improving local surveillance.
4. India also has AMR surveillance for livestock, poultry, and fisheries.

For detailed information on Increasing Antimicrobial Resistance in India read this article here

What challenges remain in India’s fight against AMR?

1. AMR surveillance lacks a national footprint, and governance mechanisms need strengthening.
2. Funding gaps and coordination issues slow the effective rollout of NAPs.
3. Efforts to monitor antimicrobial consumption must be sustained and expanded.

What more can India do to tackle AMR?

1. India should improve governance and accountability in its next NAP on AMR.
2. Investing in healthcare systems is crucial for infection control, vaccine uptake, and antimicrobial stewardship.
3. Developing new drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines through research is essential.
4. India needs ambitious actions to better protect public health and reduce the AMR burden.

Question for practice:

Discuss the global and Indian efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the challenges that remain in addressing it.