World leaders pledge to tackle superbugs at UN session

New Delhi, Sep 27: World leaders at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 26, adopted a declaration to confront the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global public health crisis responsible for 1.3 million deaths annually. India, represented by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, reaffirmed its commitment to combating AMR.

“AMR undermines decades of progress in modern medicine and poses a critical threat to global health,” said Patel during her speech at the High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance. She stressed the urgent need for global cooperation and the integration of AMR strategies into broader health programs, particularly those focusing on pandemic preparedness, health system strengthening, and universal health coverage.

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become resistant to antimicrobial treatments, making infections harder to treat. Misuse and overuse of antibiotics are significant drivers of this phenomenon. Patel highlighted India’s progress in addressing AMR, pointing to the National Action Plan (NAP AMR) launched in 2017. This plan includes steps like improving infection prevention, promoting responsible antimicrobial use in human and animal sectors, and strengthening healthcare-associated infection surveillance.

“India has made significant strides in reducing hospital-acquired infections and ensuring responsible antimicrobial use. Programs like the Clean India Mission have improved sanitation and hygiene in healthcare facilities, which are key in controlling infections,” Patel said.

She also emphasised the importance of inter-sectoral collaboration, noting the country’s updated NAP-AMR 2.0. This plan includes budgeted action plans for human, animal, and environmental health, aligned with the “One Health” approach. “India remains fully committed to addressing the AMR challenge through comprehensive efforts across all sectors,” Patel said.

UN Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed also addressed the meeting, calling for urgent action. “AMR is a complex and existential danger,” she said, adding that without increased efforts, AMR could reduce global life expectancy by almost two years by 2030.

“These are preventable tragedies. We must take a holistic ‘One Health’ approach, moving towards the sustainable use of antimicrobials to preserve these medicines for future generations,” Mohammed urged.

Both Patel and Mohammed stressed the need for dedicated funding to address AMR, with Mohammed stating that “the vast majority of countries lack the financial resources to implement AMR strategies effectively.” She concluded by calling for bold action from member states, including improved financing and stronger partnerships across sectors.

“By working together, we can mitigate the risks posed by AMR and safeguard the future of public health worldwide,” Patel affirmed, as leaders pledged to intensify global efforts against this growing threat.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most critical threats to global health, causing over 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and contributing to 4.95 million more. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and agriculture are the primary drivers of AMR, leading to drug-resistant infections that are harder to treat. This growing crisis affects every country, with the highest burden in low- and middle-income nations.

The consequences of AMR extend beyond healthcare. It makes medical procedures like surgeries and cancer treatments riskier, with the World Bank estimating that AMR could cost the global economy up to $3.4 trillion annually by 2030, potentially pushing millions into poverty.

AMR is preventable. Key strategies include improving infection control, ensuring access to quality diagnosis and treatments, and advancing research into new antibiotics, vaccines, and diagnostics. The global community has taken action with initiatives like the Global Action Plan adopted in 2015 and WHO’s continuous efforts to raise awareness, strengthen healthcare systems, and track the most dangerous drug-resistant bacteria. yesterday World leaders adopted a declaration to tackle the growing threat of superbugs, a step in the right direction to save global lives.

Despite this declaration, world leaders, health organizations, and the masses in general must work together to create awareness and prevent AMR from reversing decades of progress in modern medicine.