The United Nations Interagency Coordinating Group has released a startling report named “NO TIME TO WAIT: Securing The Future From Drug-resistant Infections”. The comprehensive study warns that, if left unchecked, drug-resistant diseases could be responsible for 10 million deaths annually by 2050.
The Gravity of Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobial resistance is emerging as a significant global health crisis. The resistance threatens the progress we’ve made in the last century in various sectors like health, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), food security, sanitation, responsible consumption and production, poverty, and inequality.
Additionally, antimicrobial resistance also presents a substantial challenge to achieving Universal Health Coverage. The misuse and overuse of existing antimicrobials in humans, animals, and plants are accelerating the development and spread of resistance. Prompt global action is needed to prevent this impending disaster.
Current Impacts and Future Projections
Presently, at least 700,000 people die each year due to drug-resistant diseases, including 230,000 who succumb to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Projections suggest that by 2030, antimicrobial resistance could push up to 24 million people into extreme poverty. Therefore, it’s essential that countries across all income brackets invest in checking antimicrobial resistance to secure future generations’ well being.
The Role of UN Interagency Coordination Group (IACG)
The IACG on Antimicrobial Resistance was formed in 2016 in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The IACG’s mandate is to offer practical guidance necessary for sustained global action to address antimicrobial resistance.
Key Facts About Antimicrobial Resistance
| Subject | Data |
|---|---|
| Current annual deaths | 700,000 |
| Projected annual deaths by 2050 | 10 million |
| People forced into poverty by 2030 | 24 million |
| People dying from multidrug-resistant tuberculosis annually | 230,000 |
IACG Recommendations
The IACG recommendations focus on accelerating progress in member states, securing the future through innovation, enhancing collaboration and investing in a sustainable response. To put these recommendations into practice, countries need to prioritize action plans to increase financing, improve regulatory systems, and raise awareness regarding the responsible use of antimicrobials among professionals. Increased investment and innovation in quality-assured, new antimicrobials is also vital.
On a global level, there are calls for establishing a One Health Global Leadership Group on Antimicrobial Resistance backed by a joint secretariat managed by Tripartite agencies (FAO, OIE, and WHO). An Independent Panel on Evidence for Action against Antimicrobial Resistance is also recommended for monitoring and providing regular reports on the science and evidence related to antimicrobial resistance.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024