UN’s urgent call for action against antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Source: The post UN’s urgent call for action against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been created, based on the article “UN recognition of antibiotic abuse offers India an opportunity” published in “Indian Express” on 23rd October 2024

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

Context: The article discusses the UN’s urgent call for action against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It highlights AMR as a global health threat, outlines key targets, and emphasizes sustainable use of antimicrobials across sectors, especially healthcare and agriculture, by 2030.

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

What is AMR and why is it a global threat?

AMR stands for antimicrobial resistance, where bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to medicines. This makes infections harder to treat. It threatens human, animal, and plant health. Misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals since the 1950s has worsened this problem. WHO warned about phasing out antibiotics in food production in 2000.

What are the consequences of AMR?

1. Health Setbacks: AMR could reverse progress in treating infectious diseases like tuberculosis and malaria due to drug-resistant strains. Common surgeries and cancer treatments become riskier and more expensive.
2. Disproportionate Impact: Low- and middle-income countries are hit hardest due to poverty and inequality, worsening global health inequality.
3. Economic Losses: The World Bank estimates AMR could result in up to $1 trillion in healthcare costs by 2050 and annual GDP losses between $1-3.4 trillion by 2030, comparable to the 2008 global financial crisis.
4. Death Toll: AMR is linked to 4.95 million human deaths annually. The UN aims to reduce this by 10% by 2030.
5. Agricultural Impact: Misuse of antimicrobials in industrial food production since the 1950s exacerbates AMR in animals and plants.

What is the UN’s strategy to fight AMR?

1. Reducing AMR-related deaths: The UN aims to lower bacterial AMR-related deaths by 10% by 2030, currently estimated at 4.95 million annually.
2. Funding and support: The UN advocates for sustainable national financing, including $100 million in catalytic funding, to ensure 60% of countries have funded national action plans by 2030.
3. Antimicrobial usage: At least 70% of antimicrobials used in human healthcare should belong to WHO’s Access Group, known for fewer side effects and a lower risk of causing AMR.
4. Healthcare facility standards: All countries must have basic water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management in healthcare facilities, and 90% should meet WHO’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) standards by 2030.
5. Agriculture sector: The agri-food sector must prioritize responsible antimicrobial use, ensuring evidence-based practices for animal health.

Question for practice:

Discuss the consequences of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the UN’s strategy to combat it.