GS Paper 3
Syllabus: Science and Technology: Health
Source: WHO
Context: The new WHO report (Incentivising the Development of new antibacterial treatments 2023) highlights progress in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) but also identifies gaps in ensuring a robust pipeline of antibiotic treatments.
What is AMR?
It refers to the ability of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs, such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitic drugs. E.g., New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM-1) superbug
Status of AMR:
It was responsible for nearly 5 million global deaths in 2019 and is projected to cause over 2mn death by 2050 in India alone. Yet the development of new antibiotics is limited, and access to existing treatments remains a challenge.
What does the Report say:
- AMR remains one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity
- 1 in 5 deaths caused by AMR occurred in children under the age of 5.
- If no action is taken, AMR could cost the world’s economy USD 100 trillion by 2050.
- Recommendations by the report: increased investments in research and development, alignment of financing mechanisms, and global efforts to ensure equitable access to antibiotics.
What are the problems with AMR in India?
AMR is a particular challenge in India due to the high burden of communicable diseases, an overburdened public health system, limited laboratory capacity, inexpensive and widely available antibiotics without prescriptions, Excessive use of antibiotics in livestock and poultry farming etc
Other initiatives:
- India: National Action Plan on AMR (NAP-AMR) for 2017-2021 (updating it for 2022-2026)
- Global: One Health Quadripartite: In 2021, the FAO, UNEP, WHO and World Organisation for Animal Health joined to combat AMR.
Conclusion:
There is a need for priority actions to accelerate progress, including commitments at the high-level meeting on AMR at the United Nations General Assembly in 2024 and targeted financing mechanisms to address the crisis and ensure equitable access to antibiotics.
Insta Links:
Tackling antimicrobial resistance
Mains Links:
Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest health challenges of the 21st century. Examine why. (10M)
