On April 14th, the Global Leaders Group (GLG) on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) hosted a forum in which government leaders, policymakers and scientists from across the globe united to address the need for strong partnerships between policy and research in developing solutions for one of the greatest health threats facing our world today, AMR.
AMR poses serious threats to human, animal and plant health, the environment, food security, economic development, and pandemic prevention preparedness and response. AMR is estimated to directly cause 1.27 million deaths globally each year. Without action, the World Bank states that by 2030 AMR could push up to 24 million people into poverty, specifically those in low- and middle- income countries.
As AMR becomes more prominent, antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.
“Health is the foundation upon which all aspects of life are built, and it is the key to living a fulfilling and meaningful existence. However, despite our best efforts, our health is constantly under threat from various factors, and one of the most significant challenges we face today is AMR or antimicrobial resistance,” said Her Royal Highness The Crown Princess Mary of Denmark during the forum’s keynote address.
“Research plays a critical role in informing effective and sustainable responses to AMR, yet the sector faces many challenges like lack of financial and human resources. We need to work together in supporting AMR research to ensure the critical development and access to antimicrobials, vaccines and diagnostics.“ said Dr. Chris Fearne, vice-chair of the GLG and Deputy Prime Minister of Malta.
The focus on the role of research and innovation in the global response to AMR is essential among stakeholders and political leadership. The high-level meeting on AMR at the United Nations General Assembly in 2024 will allow for concrete, tangible commitments from political leaders in addressing AMR at a global level.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic we realized the value of working together and sharing knowledge nationally and internationally amongst clinicians, scientists and policymakers.” said Annelies Zinkernagel, President of ESCMID and professor in infectious diseases and hospital epidemiology at the University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland. “ESCMID and GLG are building on this momentum by bringing clinicians, scientists and policymakers together to tackle the ongoing AMR epidemic.”
The event marked a step forward in collaboration and multi-disciplinary partnerships to ensure a future with effective antimicrobials.
