Antimicrobial Resistance:A Growing Threat to Global Health and Food Security

By Hamu Madzedze

Online Health Editor-Zimbabwe

Stakeholders at the Global Media Forum organised by Global AMR Media Alliance (GAMA) have expressed concern at the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Head of AMR Awareness Campaigns and Advocacy at the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Chairperson of AMR Awareness Working Group for Quadripartite Thomas Joseph said the misuse and overuse of antimicrobial medicines,coupled with poor access to quality medicines ,vaccines are fueling this crisis

"Lack of awareness and knowledge,population movement ,lack of access to clean water,sanitation and hygiene,poor infection and disease prevention and control in healthcare facilities are also drivers of AMR in human health"said Joseph.

He warned that AMR threatens the ability to treat common infections and perform life-saving procedures including chemotherapy, caesarean sections,hip replacements and organ transplants.

Alexandra Cameron ,WHO Unit Head of Impact Initiatives and Research Coordination highlighted the risks of AMR reversing the gains of modern medicines and placing a burden on health systems.

"Using wrong treatments can result in lack of cure and negative patient outcomes while overuse of antimicrobials can lead to medicine stock-outs making effective treatments unavailable to those in desperate need" said Cameron.

Felix Liauw, a member of the WHO Taskforce of AMR survivors stressed the importance of prescribing antibiotics only after proper diagnosis , be aware of hospital -acquired infections and work towards preventing transmission.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Animal Health Officer Yu Qiu noted that AMR poses a significant threat to food security.

"Resistant microorganisms in animals can spread through the food supply chain,contaminating meat,dairy products,eggs and other animal products" said Qiu.

United Nations Environment Programme's Policy and Partnerships Coordinator, Wondwosen Asnake Kibret pointed out that polluted waterways harbour microorganisms that increase AMR.

"Risks are increasing due to pollution and lack of management ,combined with AMR in clinical and hospital settings and agriculture" he pointed out.

Augusto Baron from the Quadripartite Working Group for Youth Engagements on AMR emphasised the need for providing best diagnostic tools to everyone.

Meanwhile Global AMR Media Alliance (GAMA) Chairperson Shobha Shukla said there is a need to ensure health security for everyone with equity and justice.

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria,viruses,fungi,and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines as a result of drug resistance antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat increasing the risk of disease spread,severe illness,disability and deaths.

This year's World AMR Awareness Week(WAAW) is currently underway and will end on the 24th of November and is being held under the theme Educate Advocate Act now.

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