The world needs "immediate, coordinated and ambitious" action to avert an antimicrobial resistance crisis, a United Nations agency has warned.
Within ten years the problem could force up to 24 million people into extreme poverty – while by 2050 it could be responsible for ten million deaths a year, according to a report issued by the UN Ad hoc Interagency Coordinating Group.
The report calls for stronger national regulatory systems and improved awareness programmes of the risks of overuse in human, animal and plant health.
This includes the phasing out of many significant drugs used as growth promoters in agriculture and the development of national action plans according to the report.
Amina Mohamed, UN deputy secretary-general, said: “Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest threats we face as a global community. This report reflects the depth and scope of the response needed to curb its rise and protect a century of progress in health.
“It rightly emphasises that there is no time to wait and I urge all stakeholders to act on its recommendations and work urgently to protect our people and planet and secure a sustainable future for all.”
José Graziano da Silva, director general of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation added: “Countries can foster sustainable food systems and farming practices that reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance by working together to promote viable alternatives to antimicrobial use, as laid out in the report’s recommendations.”
https://www.who.int/antimicrobial-resistance/interagency-coordination-group/final-report/en/
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