One Health and AMR Governance

Abstract

Abstract Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the use of safe and effective antimicrobials which are the foundation of modern medicine. A One Health approach is needed if we are to adequately address the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). One Health recognizes that the health of people, animals, plants, the environment, and ecosystems are interconnected. One Health provides a framework for understanding the complexities of the highly integrated aetiologies surrounding AMR. This framework can be represented as a three-dimensional matrix, which can be used as a tool to examine complex issues such as AMR. This One Health three-dimensional matrix tool will be described in this chapter. One Health requires the full engagement of multiple disciplines including medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. There are many national and international AMR efforts. Most of them focus on humans and food animals, which constitute a small part of the One Health matrix tool. This chapter briefly discusses AMR programmes in the United States and Denmark as well as international efforts spearheaded by the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Barriers to successful AMR implementation efforts will be discussed. The chapter will conclude with national and international policy recommendations. Ultimately, policy-makers must provide leadership, political support, and funding to ensure policies and programmes successfully address AMR.