Global issues for combatting antimicrobial resistance

Abstract

The development, large-scale production and widespread use of antimicrobial drugs in the twentieth centurywas a turning point in human history, resulting in dramatic improvements in medical care and reduction of deaths. Over time, however, rising levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among a wide range of pathogens has placed such gains at risk of being lost. Reducing AMR is nowa top-level global public health priority. In principle, the major high-level goals consist of optimizing the use of such drugs in health and agriculture and minimizing environmental contamination; sustaining the development of new classes of antimicrobials drugs and other medicines and making them affordable and accessible to all who need them; and much more effective application of infection control and prevention principles. For decades, technical solutions have been the primary approach used for addressing AMR. More recently, FAO, OIE and WHO in combination with like-mined champions have embarked upon a more political and broader “one health” approach to increase awareness and engagement beyond scientific and medical groups. This change is the basis for the 2015 Global Action for AMR, the 2016 High Level Meeting on AMR held at the UN General Assembly and attention to AMR by groups such as the G20. While such results have been instrumental in broadening the awareness and attention paid to AMR, it is nowcritical to adopt concrete and focused activities to consolidate and build upon these gains. The fundamental building blocks will be proposed and discussed.