Global efforts to contain AMR

In this section of the course, you will explore the global initiatives designed to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Without timely and coordinated international action, the world risks entering a post-antibiotic era where common infections could become deadly once again. Adopting a One Health approach which unites stakeholders across human, terrestrial, and aquatic animal health, plant health, food and feed production, and environmental sectors—presents a promising path toward sustainable solutions. Various global efforts are currently underway, including:

GLOBAL ACTION PLAN ON ANTIMICROBIAL  RESISTANCE (GAP)

GAP was adopted by WHO, FAO and OIE in 2015 and was endorsed by political leaders in 2016. The main goal of GAP is to ensure that treatment and prevention of infectious diseases with quality-assured, safe, and effective medicines is achievable.

Tutorial Video: Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance from WHO (2 minutes and 10 seconds)

Source: World Health Organisation

Tutorial Video: FAO and Antimicrobial Resistance (2 minutes and 24 seconds)

Source: Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations.

Monitoring and evaluation of the global action plan on antimicrobial resistance

The implementation of the GAP needs to be regularly reviewed and assessed to make sure that all stakeholders are fulfilling their roles and duties and to determine whether they are jointly bringing about the desired change in AMR. In order to do this, the Tripartite organizations jointly created the Monitoring and evaluation framework for the GAP. Read more.

NATIONAL ACTION PLAN ON ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE

National Action Plans (NAPs) on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are critical components of the Global Action Plan on AMR developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners. These plans provide a structured framework for countries to tailor global strategies to their specific contexts, aligning with local health priorities, resources, and challenges. NAPs typically encompass five strategic objectives: improving awareness and understanding of AMR through education and training, strengthening surveillance and research, reducing the incidence of infection through effective sanitation and hygiene, optimizing the use of antimicrobial medicines in human and animal health, and ensuring sustainable investment in countering AMR. By addressing these objectives, countries can build a coordinated, multi-sectoral response to AMR that engages stakeholders from health, agriculture, finance, and policy sectors.

Integrating NAPs into the broader Global Action Plan is essential to achieving a synchronized global effort against AMR. These plans serve as the operational blueprint for countries to monitor and evaluate their progress in combating AMR, enabling data-driven policy adjustments and resource allocation. They also encourage cross-border collaboration, as AMR is a global health threat that does not respect national boundaries. In this context, countries can share best practices, strengthen regional capacities, and engage in collective research efforts. Moreover, effective implementation of NAPs is pivotal for addressing AMR in low- and middle-income countries, where health systems may be less resilient to the growing burden of resistant infections. By developing robust NAPs, nations contribute to the global goal of preserving the efficacy of existing antimicrobials, promoting innovation in treatment and diagnostics, and ultimately safeguarding global health security.

Africa CDC Antimicrobial Resistance Framework 2020 – 2025

The Africa CDC Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Framework 2020–2025 represents a strategic response to the growing threat of AMR on the African continent, aligning with global efforts to curb the spread of resistance. This framework emphasizes a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health sectors to ensure a comprehensive strategy for combating AMR. Key priorities include strengthening surveillance systems, optimizing antimicrobial use through stewardship programs, enhancing laboratory capacity, promoting infection prevention and control measures, and encouraging research and innovation. By fostering collaboration among African Union Member States and aligning with global guidelines from WHO and other international bodies, the Africa CDC framework aims to build resilient health systems capable of addressing AMR, ensuring sustainable access to effective antimicrobials, and safeguarding public health across Africa and beyond. You can download the full document from here.

World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW)

The World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) is a global campaign held annually from November 18 to 24 to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promote best practices among stakeholders to reduce its spread. Organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), alongside the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and other partners, WAAW underscores the importance of a One Health approach recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in combating AMR. The campaign encourages coordinated efforts across sectors and levels to promote the responsible use of antimicrobials, improve infection prevention, and enhance global collaboration to safeguard the effectiveness of existing antibiotics, ultimately contributing to global health security. 

Tutorial Video: World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2022 (1 minute and 56 seconds)

The Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS)

The Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) is a key global initiative launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the global response to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Established in 2015, GLASS provides a standardized approach for collecting, analyzing, and sharing data on antimicrobial resistance and the use of antimicrobials across human health sectors. By bringing together data from countries worldwide, GLASS facilitates the understanding of AMR trends, patterns, and emerging threats. This comprehensive surveillance system enables countries to strengthen their national AMR surveillance programs, informs policy-making, and guides targeted interventions. GLASS also emphasizes the importance of a One Health approach, recognizing the need for integrated surveillance across human, animal, and environmental health sectors to effectively monitor and combat AMR. The system’s global data repository and interactive tools help countries and global stakeholders collaborate more effectively, fostering a coordinated response to contain AMR and preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials. Read more about GLASS here.