First paragraph.
The rising issue of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) has been recently highlighted, with a particular focus on its connection to food-animal farming. This phenomenon is largely overlooked amidst prominent global problems such as pandemics, climate change, and biodiversity loss, yet it poses significant threats to public health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. This article explores the various aspects of this growing concern, examines its prevalence in India, and discusses the initiatives taken by the government to prevent AMR.
The Connection Between Food-Animal Farming and AMR
Factory farming or intensive food-animal farming involves densely populating indoor facilities with animals such as pigs, cows, and birds, with the primary goal being the maximisation of production at minimal cost. However, these conditions not only subject animals to immense cruelty but also create an ideal breeding ground for diseases, many of which can jump to humans. The act of disease jumping often results in increased infection rates and severity, contributing to the genesis of global pandemics.
In addition to the potential for disease spread, factory farming severely exacerbates AMR – a concerning global health issue that often goes unnoticed. The overuse of antibiotics within these farms results in the creation of superbugs resistant to antimicrobial drugs, which can then spread to workers, pollute the environment and infiltrate the food chain.
Understanding AMR and Its Prevalence in India
AMR refers to the resistance developed by microorganisms (including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) against antimicrobial drugs aimed at treating infections. This resistance evolves over time and can render medicines ineffective, rendering infections harder to treat and increasing the likelihood of disease spread, severe illness, and death. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises AMR as one of the top ten threats to global health.
India is significantly affected by AMR, with over 56,000 neonatal deaths each year attributed to sepsis caused by organisms resistant to first-line antibiotics. Furthermore, a study reported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) disclosed that when Covid patients acquire drug-resistant infections in hospitals, the mortality rate sits around 50-60%.
Government Initiatives to Prevent AMR
Various initiatives have been launched by the Government of India to combat the AMR crisis. In 2013, the AMR Surveillance and Research Network (AMRSN) was established to record trends and patterns of drug-resistant infections in the country.
In April 2017, the National Action Plan on AMR was introduced, employing a ‘One Health’ approach and involving stakeholder ministries and departments. The ICMR has also executed joint research projects on AMR with the Research Council of Norway (RCN) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Germany. Additionally, the ICMR has initiated an Antibiotic Stewardship Program (AMSP) pilot project throughout India to control antibiotic misuse and overuse in hospital wards and ICUs.
Moving Towards Sustainable Food Systems
The development of sustainable food systems is essential to addressing the AMR crisis effectively. This involves increasing demand for plant-based foods, thereby reducing dependence on farmed animals and making room for higher welfare production systems.
Transforming the food system to be more sustainable will significantly improve the overall health of animals and humans. Simultaneously, it will significantly reduce the prevalence of AMR – a benefit that will safeguard global health and make strides towards more ethical, eco-friendly farming practices.
