At the recent United Nations General Assembly, all countries approved a major new political declaration to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a threat to modern medicine that could undo a century of progress. The misuse and overuse of antimicrobial medicines, such as antibiotics, have made diseases more deadly and difficult to treat. In low- and middle-income countries, where access to clean water and healthcare is limited, the burden of treatment-resistant infections falls heaviest. The crisis in equitable access to antimicrobial medicines is felt most acutely in these countries, where a lack of availability is a bigger problem than misuse and overuse.
AMR also poses challenges in conflict zones, where injured patients struggle to find effective treatment. The political declaration approved in New York includes commitments to reduce global deaths associated with drug-resistant bacteria by 10% by 2030 and increase access to safer antibiotics. The investment case for addressing AMR is clear, with estimates showing that inaction could lead to billions in additional healthcare expenditures and productivity losses.
The declaration’s success will be determined by increased funding to turn commitments into action. Stories from AMR survivors, like Ella and John, shed light on the urgency of addressing this issue. Ella, living with cystic fibrosis, had to rely on an experimental treatment after contracting a severe drug-resistant infection, while John’s simple surgery turned into a year-long battle with a resistant infection.
A successful response to AMR requires political commitment, sustainable financing, accountability measures, and prioritization of those affected. The meeting’s focus on these critical issues sets the stage for progress in combating AMR.
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