A next big leap on ‘One Health’ and antimicrobial resistance

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The next big leap in One Health and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will likely focus on integrated surveillance, innovative therapeutics, and global policy shifts. Here’s what to expect:

1. AI & Big Data for Surveillance

• AI-powered models for early detection of AMR in humans, animals, and the environment.
• Real-time genomic sequencing to track resistant pathogens globally.
• Blockchain for transparent, shared data across sectors.

2. Phage Therapy & Microbiome-Based Solutions

• Phage therapy (viruses that kill bacteria) as an alternative to antibiotics.
• Engineered probiotics to outcompete resistant bacteria in the gut and environment.

3. mRNA & CRISPR-Based Antibiotics

• CRISPR technology to precisely target resistant bacterial genes.
• mRNA-based antimicrobial therapies, similar to COVID-19 vaccines.

4. Environmental Interventions

• Wastewater-based AMR surveillance.
• Green antibiotics with minimal environmental impact.
• Stricter regulation on antibiotic use in agriculture.

5. One Health Policy & Global Collaboration

• Standardized AMR surveillance across human, animal, and environmental health.
• Financial incentives for antibiotic stewardship.
• Stronger regulatory frameworks at national and international levels.

Which area interests you most? 🚀

1) Why should AMR worry us? 

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) should worry us because it threatens global health, food security, and economic stability. Here’s why:

1. Superbugs Are Becoming Untreatable

• Common infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are becoming harder—or even impossible—to treat.
• Routine surgeries, chemotherapy, and organ transplants rely on effective antibiotics; without them, even minor infections can be fatal.

2. A Silent Pandemic with Deadly Consequences

• AMR already causes 1.27 million deaths annually (more than HIV/AIDS or malaria).
• By 2050, it could lead to 10 million deaths per year, surpassing cancer.

3. Agriculture & Food Security Are at Risk

• Overuse of antibiotics in livestock and aquaculture accelerates resistance.
• Resistant bacteria can spread from animals to humans through food, water, and the environment.

4. Healthcare Costs Will Soar

• Resistant infections require longer hospital stays, expensive treatments, and stronger antibiotics—draining healthcare systems.
• The World Bank estimates AMR could cost the global economy $100 trillion by 2050.

5. The Environment Is Becoming a Reservoir of Resistance

• Pharmaceutical waste, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff spread resistant bacteria worldwide.
• Climate change may worsen AMR by altering bacterial ecosystems.

Bottom Line: AMR is not a future problem—it’s happening now. If we don’t act, we risk entering a post-antibiotic era where even minor infections could be deadly.

Would you like insights on what we can do to combat AMR? 💊🌍

2) Covid-19 has added to the AMR concerns

Yes, COVID-19 has worsened the AMR crisis in several ways, acting as a “silent accelerant” for antimicrobial resistance. Here’s how:

1. Overuse & Misuse of Antibiotics

• During the pandemic, 77% of COVID-19 patients received antibiotics, even though COVID-19 is caused by a virus, not bacteria.
• Hospitals overprescribed antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections, increasing selective pressure for resistant strains.

2. Increased Hospital Stays & ICU Admissions

• COVID-19 led to longer hospital stays and ventilator use, creating ideal conditions for resistant bacteria to spread.
• Resistant pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae surged in ICUs.

3. Disrupted AMR Surveillance & Stewardship

• Healthcare systems were overwhelmed, leading to weakened AMR monitoring and infection control measures.
• Resources were diverted from AMR research to focus on COVID-19.

4. Rise in Self-Medication & Unregulated Antibiotic Use

• Panic during the pandemic led to increased self-medication with antibiotics, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
• Fake or substandard antibiotics circulated more widely, worsening resistance.

5. Increased Environmental Contamination

• Massive use of disinfectants, hospital waste, and improper disposal of antibiotics led to higher AMR contamination in water bodies.

Post-COVID Urgency: A Call to Action

• Strengthen antibiotic stewardship programs in hospitals.
• Improve global AMR surveillance and rapid diagnostics.
• Promote alternative treatments like phage therapy and AI-driven drug discovery.

COVID-19 taught us the cost of ignoring infectious disease threats—AMR could be the next pandemic. 🦠💊

Would you like insights on solutions or global efforts to combat AMR? 🚀

3) G20 is committed to making a difference

Yes, the G20 is taking AMR seriously and has committed to making a difference through global policies, funding, and coordinated action. Here’s how:

1. G20’s Prioritization of AMR

• AMR has been on the G20 health agenda since 2017, with increasing focus post-COVID-19.
• The 2023 G20 Health Ministers’ Declaration reaffirmed commitment to combat AMR through a One Health approach.

2. Key G20 AMR Initiatives

🏥 Surveillance & Research

• Strengthening global AMR surveillance through platforms like GLASS (Global AMR Surveillance System).
• Encouraging AI & genomic tools to track resistant pathogens.

💰 Funding & Incentives for New Antibiotics

• G20 is backing the Global AMR R&D Hub to accelerate antibiotic innovation.
• Pushing for “pull incentives” (e.g., market entry rewards) to encourage pharmaceutical companies to develop new antibiotics.

🌍 One Health Approach

• Coordinating human, animal, and environmental AMR strategies.
• Reducing antibiotic misuse in agriculture and food production.

🏛 Global Governance & Policy

• Pushing for a Global AMR Agreement, similar to the Paris Climate Accord.
• Strengthening antibiotic stewardship programs in hospitals and veterinary sectors.

3. Challenges G20 Needs to Overcome

• Balancing access & regulation: Ensuring LMICs (Low- and Middle-Income Countries) get essential antibiotics while controlling misuse.
• Bridging the R&D gap: Incentivizing pharma companies to develop new antibiotics despite low profitability.
• Tackling environmental AMR: Regulating waste disposal from pharmaceutical industries & agriculture.

4. Looking Ahead: G20’s Role in AMR Action

With AMR projected to cause 10 million deaths per year by 2050, the G20 must drive:
✅ Binding global commitments on AMR reduction.
✅ Increased funding for antibiotic innovation & access.
✅ Stronger cross-sectoral collaboration through a One Health approach.

🚀 G20’s actions today could determine whether we win or lose the fight against AMR.

Would you like insights on specific G20 policies or country-wise efforts? 🌍💊

Also Read- Antimicrobial resistance: A call for action against the next global threat

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global threat, demanding urgent and coordinated action. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified AMR as one of the top ten global public health threats, necessitating immediate measures to combat its rise. citeturn0search4

In September 2024, during the 79th United Nations General Assembly, world leaders approved a political declaration targeting a 10% reduction in the estimated 4.95 million annual deaths associated with bacterial AMR by 2030. This declaration also emphasizes the need for sustainable national financing and proposes US$100 million in catalytic funding to ensure that at least 60% of countries have funded national action plans on AMR by 2030. citeturn0search3

The urgency of addressing AMR is underscored by projections indicating that, without effective interventions, drug-resistant infections could lead to 10 million deaths each year by 2050, with economic damages comparable to the 2008–2009 global financial crisis. citeturn0search0

To combat this escalating crisis, a comprehensive One Health approach is essential, integrating efforts across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. This strategy includes enhancing global collaboration, strengthening surveillance systems, promoting responsible antimicrobial use, and investing in the development of new antibiotics and alternative therapies. citeturn0search7

Collective and innovative actions are imperative to mitigate the threat of AMR and safeguard global health.

navlistGlobal Leaders Intensify Efforts to Combat Antimicrobial Resistanceturn0news18,turn0news16,turn0news20

UK strengthening its antimicrobial stewardship programs to curb unnecessary prescriptions. Similarly, India has been scaling up its AMR surveillance networks and implementing national action plans to combat rising resistance.

Operational Delivery & Monitoring

To make AMR action effective, countries need:
✅ Robust AMR Surveillance – Tracking resistant infections through real-time data sharing.
✅ National Action Plans – Implementing policies for human, animal, and environmental health.
✅ Regulatory Frameworks – Limiting over-the-counter antibiotic sales and enforcing responsible prescribing.

Patient & Public Engagement

✔ Education Campaigns – Raising awareness about the dangers of antibiotic misuse.
✔ Community-Based Stewardship – Empowering patients to demand responsible prescriptions.
✔ Behavioural Change Strategies – Encouraging infection prevention through vaccination and hygiene.

Would you like insights on how specific countries are making progress? 🌍💊

Also Read- Fighting Superbugs: How an Indian Avenger is building a life-saving weapo

In the battle against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), innovative approaches are emerging as potential game-changers. One such advancement is the development of Nafithromycin, a novel antibiotic targeting drug-resistant pathogens. This homegrown solution signifies a significant step forward in combating bacterial infections and addressing the global AMR crisis. citeturn0search4

Additionally, researchers are exploring the use of far-UVC light, a specific wavelength of ultraviolet light, as a weapon against superbugs. This technology has the potential to kill drug-resistant bacteria safely, without penetrating human skin, offering a promising non-pharmaceutical intervention in the fight against superbugs. citeturn0search6

These developments underscore the critical role of innovation and research in addressing the escalating threat of AMR. Continued support for such initiatives is essential to safeguard global health and combat the rise of superbugs.