What is Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites evolve mechanisms to protect themselves from the effects of antimicrobials drugs they are exposed to.
AMR is an accelerated natural evolutionary phenomenon, arising due to persistent exposure to selective pressure enabled by high volume use of antimicrobials. As a result, treatment for infectious diseases are becoming ineffective leading to persistent infections in the body, increasing the risk of spread to others.
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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health and development threat. It requires urgent multisectoral action in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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WHO has declared that AMR is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.
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Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant pathogens.
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Lack of clean water and sanitation and inadequate infection prevention and control promote the spread of microbes, some of which can be resistant to antimicrobial treatment.
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The cost of AMR to the economy is significant. In addition to death and disability, prolonged illness results in longer hospital stays, the need for more expensive medicines and financial challenges for those impacted.
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Without effective antimicrobials, the success of modern medicine in treating infections, including during major surgery and cancer chemotherapy, would be at increased risk.
Deaths attributed to AMR every year by 2050
AMR has been a slow-growing pandemic. Currently, at least 700,000 people die each year due to drug-resistant diseases, including 230,000 people who die from multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. By some projections, drug-resistant diseases could cause 10 million deaths each year by 2050 and damage to the economy as catastrophic as the 2008-2009 global financial crisis. By 2030, antimicrobial resistance could force up to 24 million people into extreme poverty. Thus, AMR is now being considered one of the top ten global public health threats to humanity in the 21st century.
AMR AS A SILENT PANDEMIC
AMR AS A SILENT PANDEMIC
AMR has been a slow-growing pandemic. Currently, at least 700,000 people die each year due to drug-resistant diseases, including 230,000 people who die from multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. By some projections, drug-resistant diseases could cause 10 million deaths each year by 2050 and damage to the economy as catastrophic as the 2008-2009 global financial crisis. By 2030, antimicrobial resistance could force up to 24 million people into extreme poverty. Thus, AMR is now being considered one of the top ten global public health threats to humanity in the 21st century.
India's National Action Plan (NAP) for AMR was released in April 2017 by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Objectives of the India’s NAP for AMR: -
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Improving awareness
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Enhancing surveillance measures
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Strengthening infection prevention and control
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Research and development,
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Promoting investments
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Collaborative activities to control AMR.
INDIA AND AMR
compared to other major causes of deaths
Deaths attributed to AMR every year by 2050
SOURCE: ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE: TACKLING A CRISES FOR THE HEALTH & WEALTH OF NATIONS
INDIA AND AMR
India's National Action Plan (NAP) for AMR was released in April 2017 by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Objectives of the India’s NAP for AMR: -
-
Improving awareness
-
Enhancing surveillance measures
-
Strengthening infection prevention and control
-
Research and development,
-
Promoting investments
-
Collaborative activities to control AMR.
