On 8 June 2015, world leaders gathered at the G7 meeting voiced strong support for the the World Health Organization’s (WHO) first Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). In line with JPIAMR’s vision and goals, WHO’s Global Action Plan which recognises a two-fold approach to combating AMR:
- Conserving the effectiveness of existing and future antimicrobials; and
- Engaging in research and development for new antimicrobials, vaccines, treatment alternatives and rapid diagnostic tools.
The G7 group outlined the One Health approach, which encompasses all areas of human and animal health, as well as agriculture and the environment, and acknowledged the need for a holistic approach, alongside concrete measures, to retain the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents.
- Foster prudent use of antibiotics
- Increase knowledge and responsible use of antibiotics
- Phase out the use of antibiotics for growth promotion in animal husbandry in the absence of risk analysis
- Increase awareness, knowledge, prevention and control of infections
- Strengthen surveillance of existing and emerging patterns of AMR to help develop effective strategies to fight it
- Stimulate innovation and increase basic research
- Develop and improve access to alternative therapies, vaccines and rapid point-of-care diagnostics
- Pool national efforts and hold a G7 meeting to promote the responsible use of antibiotics and share best practices
These are all commitments in line with JPIAMR’s ambitions and the initiative fully supports the ‘One Health’ approach. Investing in research and taking on a holistic approach is key to combat antimicrobial resistance.
