WHO lists antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the top 10 threats to global health and one of
the urgent health challenges for the next decade. As per the first comprehensive analysis of the worldwide impact of AMR estimates published by the leading medical journal The Lancet, resistance caused 1.27 million deaths in 2019, and AMR infections played a role in 4.95 million deaths.
Estimates for 204 countries and territories confirm AMR as a global health threat, with the worst impacts in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like India. However, higher-income countries also face alarmingly high levels of AMR. Overuse and misuse of antimicrobial medicines are major factors that have contributed to the development of drug-resistant microbes. In many places, antibiotics are overused and misused in people and animals and are often given without professional oversight.
Professionals from across the world participated in the two-day “Global Workshop on Implementation of State Action Plans for Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance, focus state- Andhra Pradesh” at Vijayawada to discuss and plan the implementation of Andhra Pradesh Action Plan for Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance (AP-APCAR). Andhra Pradesh is the fourth state in India after Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi to develop a State Action Plan for the Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance. The state government issued G.O. No.148 dated 27 June 2022 by the Principal Secretary, Health, Medical & Family Welfare Department, which approved the AP-APCAR in the state.
The two-day consultative workshop from 25 to 26 November was convened to translate AP-APCAR into concrete on-ground actions through knowledge and expertise from the state, national and global-level experts. It was co-organised by the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA), Infection Control Academy of India (IFCAI), and World Animal Protection, with support from ReAct Asia Pacific.
Experts from across the globe and country representatives from various organisations, institutes, state governments and ministry representatives from animal, human health, environment and agriculture departments participated in the deliberations.
Engaging in group discussions led to on-ground plans and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which would help Andhra Pradesh become a role model for all other states, not only in drafting the policy but also in impeccable implementation with laudable outcomes.
“Andhra Pradesh has shifted focus on strengthening laboratories, medical education and creating awareness among the public to counter Antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The state government has piloted the Indo-Dutch project in Krishna district as a pilot project under the auspices of the National Centre of Disease Control (NSDC).” said M.T. Krishan Babu, Principal Secretary Health Medical and Family Welfare, who participated virtually in this event. He said, “There is an urgent need to focus on animals which are part of our food system, especially the poultry sector, which contributes to the challenges faced to combat superbugs and needs to be monitored”.
“Since resistance anywhere is everywhere, one health approach is the only solution for containment of AMR for human health, animal health and welfare and environment health”, said P. Anand Kumar, Member, AMR Cell, Andhra Pradesh.
“Since AMR is not restricted to one sector, but a critical global problem affecting humans, the environment, and animals. The key to combating AMR is understanding its multi-stakeholder and multidimensional nature and working on the different aspects of the same. Each sector should play its role in prevention, making people aware of the issue and the impact of AMR. About 75% of total antibiotics globally are used in animal farming systems. India is the fourth largest in the use of antibiotics in animals. The poultry and cattle industry is one of the largest farming industries in the country. Hence, the need to tackle AMR arising from animal farming and improved animal welfare is a solution”, said Gajender K Sharma, Country Director of World Animal Protection, India.
“FABA will play a key role in knowledge dissemination and awareness programmes across academic institutions, which will help bring the industry closer to the implementation goals. FABA, with its partners globally, will help in all awareness and knowledge programmes on one health”, said Prof Redanna, Executive President, FABA.
“AMR being a multidimensional problem requires multisectoral approaches to tackle the issue from the lens of technical, political, social, economic, and enthusiastic public support”, said Dr. Ranga Reddy Burri, President, IFCAI.
“Altogether, we cannot avoid AMR and our ageing. However, we can use antibiotics judiciously and use every possible antibiotic alternative approach to minimize or slow down the emergence of resistance to last-resort antibiotics. We should act towards healthy ageing without many infections that are difficult to treat and create a better future”, said Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, Head of the Department of Biological Sciences, SRM University, Andhra Pradesh.
The key findings as the outcome of this workshop will be incorporated to help shape the on-ground action plan for the state.
