Antimicrobial Resistance in a One Health and One World Perspective – Mechanisms and Solutions

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) needs global and concerted action to be able to combat this emerging health threat. The WHO Global Action Plan on AMR aims at doing so, in cooperation with the World Animal Health Organization and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. However, the resources for implementing the interventions proposed for national action plans may be scarce in poor parts of the world, and more fundamental issues may as well be of greater relevance. To combat AMR, we must enable low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to implement sustainable sanitation, secure nutrition, and access to proper health care thereby preventing infections and reducing the spread of resistance. However, all countries should restrict antibiotics to healthy animals, contribute to ending environmental pollution with antibiotics from the pharmaceutical industry and avoid unnecessary human use of antibiotics. We can only combat AMR through international coordination and cooperation. The WHO Global Action Plan is a blueprint for national action. However, we need stronger mechanisms and more investments to turn the tide, and we need to start with the basics.