In a pivotal move at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Meeting, global leaders committed to new efforts aimed at reducing antimicrobial resistance. This declaration is a landmark step in tackling one of the most significant health challenges today, as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the efficacy of medicines used to treat infections. With this declaration, countries aim to reduce the 4.95 million deaths associated with AMR by 10% by 2030.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Its Global Impact
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi evolve to resist the effects of treatments, making infections harder to cure. This resistance leads to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality rates. The declaration emphasizes the need for urgent global, regional, and national actions to address the growing threat posed by AMR through a One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health.
The Telegraph | MSN | Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms evolve to resist the effects of treatments, making infections harder to cure.
Key Targets and Actions for Human Health
The UNGA declaration outlines several ambitious targets for human health. One key objective is ensuring that 70% of antibiotics used for human health globally fall within the WHO’s Access group by 2030. This group of antibiotics carries fewer side effects and poses a lower risk of contributing to antimicrobial resistance. The declaration also highlights the need for infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, including clean water, sanitation, and hygiene in all healthcare facilities. By 2030, 100% of countries should meet basic hygiene standards, with 90% fulfilling WHO’s minimum IPC requirements.
Reducing Antimicrobial Use in Agriculture and Animal Health
The declaration sets targets to reduce antimicrobial use in the agricultural and animal health sectors by 2030. A key focus is the responsible and evidence-based use of antimicrobials in animal health. This involves funding preventive measures, such as improved biosecurity, animal vaccination, and proper husbandry practices. Reducing antimicrobial use in agriculture is vital to minimizing the risk of resistance spreading from animals to humans through the food chain or the environment.
Addressing Environmental Contributions to AMR
Environmental factors also play a significant role in developing and spreading antimicrobial resistance. The declaration calls for efforts to reduce antimicrobial pollution, particularly from industries that discharge these compounds into water and soil. It encourages increased research to better understand how environmental factors contribute to AMR and to develop effective strategies for mitigating these risks. By addressing environmental sources of antimicrobial pollution, countries aim to curb the transmission of resistant pathogens across ecosystems.
Sara Kuta | MSN | The UNGA declaration encourages increased research to understand better how environmental factors contribute to AMR and to develop effective strategies for mitigating these risks.
A Multisectoral and One Health Approach
The declaration underscores the complexity of AMR and the need for a coordinated, multisectoral response. Integrating human, animal, plant, and environmental health initiatives involves a One Health approach. The Quadripartite collaboration—comprising the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)—welcomes the commitment to this holistic approach. This intersectoral framework aims to align global strategies with national efforts to combat AMR.
Financing and Surveillance Measures
Achieving these ambitious targets requires substantial financial support. The declaration calls for sustainable national financing and US$100 million in catalytic funding to ensure that at least 60% of countries have funded national action plans on AMR by 2030. In addition to securing funding, the declaration encourages countries to improve their AMR surveillance systems. This includes better reporting of antimicrobial use and resistance across sectors, utilizing platforms like the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) and other international databases. By increasing transparency and sharing data, countries can enhance their capacity to track and combat AMR.
