Key Actions to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
One Health Approach. "No Action Today, No Cure Tomorrow."
WHO Global Action Plan on AMR
Global strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance through awareness, surveillance, prevention, and stewardship.
AMR Stewardships
Promotes the responsible use of antimicrobials to prevent resistance, ensuring effective treatments for future generations.
Adequate waste and wastewater containment and treatment
Prevent the spread of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms, reducing environmental contamination and public health risks
Antimicrobial resistance surveillance
Monitors resistant microorganisms to track trends, guide treatment strategies, and inform public health policies
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Stanley, D., Batacan, R. J., & Yadav Sharma Bajagai. (2022). Rapid growth of antimicrobial resistance: the role of agriculture in the problem and the solutions. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 106(4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-022-12193-6
AMR Dissemination Pathway
The AMR Dissemination Pathway refers to the various ways antimicrobial resistance spreads among humans, animals, and the environment. This occurs through direct contact, contaminated food and water, healthcare settings, and environmental exposure, making AMR a global public health challenge.
The widening gap between the rapid spread of AMR and the slow pace of novel antibiotic discovery has marked a critical challenge to public health. The world now faces increasingly limited options to treat infections effectively.
What is AMR?
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most urgent public health challenges facing humanity, driven by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. AMR occurs when antimicrobial medicines become ineffective against pathogens as they develop resistance. Consequently, infections become difficult or even impossible to treat, increasing the risk of severe illness, disease spread and mortality.
AMR is a natural phenomenon that occurs through genetic changes of the pathogen. However, Its emergence and spread are significantly accelerated by human activity, particularly the misuse and overuse of antimicrobial medications.
Antibiotic Misuse and Overuse
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About one-third of antibiotic prescriptions in humans are unnecessary or inappropriate.
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Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat viral infections, which do not respond to these medications.
Over prescribing of antibiotics
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More than 80% of animals are being treated with antibiotics for food production
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Lead to the antimicrobial residues in animal-derived food, posing a significant public health risk
Overuse of antimicrobials in animals
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Broad-spectrum antibiotics target both harmful and beneficial bacteria in the body
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The disruption of the normal microbial flora creates an environment favorable for resistant bacteria can thrive, increasing the risk of AMR spread
Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics
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Patients frequently fail to complete the full prescribed course of antibiotics.
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This incomplete use creates selection pressure, driving genetic changes in bacteria that lead to resistance.
Underutilization of antibiotics
30 % to 90% of antibiotics are not absorbed by human body and excreted through urine and feces
Around 75% of antibiotics are not absorbed by the animals and excreted through urine and feces
Antibiotic Consumption
70% are consumed by animals
30% are consumed by humans
Antibiotics are only partially digested and absorbed by human and animals
The Impact of AMR
10M
Global Deaths
Up to 10 million deaths could occur annually by 2050 if AMR is left unsolved
US$ 3.4 trillion
GDP loss
AMR could result up to US$3.4 trillion GDP loss off annually by 2030
Post-antibiotic
era
A future where minor injuries could be fatal