COMBATING ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE – A ONE HEALTH APPROACH

Abstract

AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance) is a multidimensional problem that endangers both human and animal health. Improving global surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and decreasing consumption of antibiotics in humans and animals can contribute reducing antimicrobial resistance. The One Health approach is a comprehensive strategy that recognizes the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and environmental health in the fight against AMR. Understanding the exact burden of the AMR is a challenging task. In the year 2017, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare started India′s National Action Plan (NAP) for creating Awareness for antimicrobial resistance with goals of raising awareness, boosting surveillance, improving infection prevention and control, undertaking research and development, supporting investments, and collaboration among different sectors to combat AMR. AMR spread through the triad of environment, animal and man. Resistant microorganisms and genes are spreading very rapidly and widely through food chains and environment. In accordance with the Global Action Plan for Anti- Microbial Resistance has been implemented throughout India over six years in a phase wise manner to fight against AMR. The necessity of the hour for significant community engagement is to promote awareness and advocacy regarding AMR. Enhanced surveillance and strategies based on evidence, interdisciplinary collaboration, judicial antimicrobial use, new research must be implemented through regional, national and international policies. In this chapter, threats of AMR and steps to tackle this menace of AMR with the help of One health approach have been discussed along with future perspectives of intersectoral involvement and engagement.