Source: DOWNTOEARTH

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Context

In November 2024, Saudi Arabia hosted the 4th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Jeddah.

Representatives from 57 countries, experts and global organizations gathered to discuss urgent measures against AMR, a global health crisis affecting humans, animals, plants and the environment.

What is AMR?

AMR occurs when microorganisms like bacteria become resistant to medicines designed to kill them such as antibiotics. This makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of severe illness and death.

Highlights of the Jeddah Conference

Jeddah Commitments:

A framework to transform global AMR strategies into actions under the "One Health" approach.

Focused on improving antimicrobial use, surveillance, governance, manufacturing, and disposal systems.

The conference called for all member states to actively work towards achieving the goals outlined in the United Nations Political Declaration on AMR by 2030.

Read about one health approach in detail: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/one-health-approach-37

Major Actions:

Launch of a One Health AMR Learning Hub to promote knowledge-sharing among countries.

Establishing an Independent Panel for Evidence on Action Against AMR by 2025.

Setting up a Regional Antimicrobial Access and Logistics Hub to ensure fair access to safe medicines.

Promoting sustainable food systems and reducing reliance on antimicrobials in agriculture.

India's Contributions:

India proposed stronger AMR detection systems, increased investments in research and the establishment of an AMR Multi-Partner Trust Fund to support global efforts. Emphasis was placed on making antimicrobials and diagnostics more accessible for low-income nations.

New Announcements:

Saudi Arabia unveiled plans for an AMR Learning Hub to assist nations in implementing action plans effectively. Additionally, emphasis was placed on fostering collaboration across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture and the environment for sustainable solutions​

Global Impact

If left unchecked, AMR could cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050 and lead to severe economic losses worldwide.

 UNGA Political Declaration on AMR

At a meeting in September 2024, leaders from all over the world agreed to work together to fight AMR. They set clear goals, like:

Reducing deaths linked to AMR by 10% by 2030.

Making sure more countries (at least 60%) have proper plans and funding to handle AMR by 2030.

Goals for Healthcare:

Use safer antibiotics for at least 70% of patients worldwide.

Ensure all hospitals have clean water, proper sanitation and hygiene by 2030.

Help 90% of countries have strong infection control programs in place.

Goals for Agriculture and Animals:

Use fewer medicines on animals and plants by improving practices like vaccinations and hygiene.

Promote better farming methods to avoid infections without overusing antibiotics.

Protecting the Environment:

Stop harmful medicines from polluting water and soil.

Do more research on how the environment contributes to AMR.

Next Steps

The next Ministerial AMR Conference will be held in Nigeria in 2026 to review progress and encourage further international cooperation.

 By accelerating efforts through these commitments, global leaders aim to prevent a major health crisis and promote sustainable healthcare systems.

Sources:

DOWNTOEARTH