Why is Early Action on AMR Essential for Treatable Infections and Safe Surgeries?
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Synopsis
The WHO emphasizes the urgent need for action against AMR to keep infections treatable and surgeries safe. With AMR posing a serious threat to modern medicine, countries must collaborate to combat this growing issue. In this article, we explore the WHO's recommendations and the implications for global health.
Key Takeaways
- Immediate action against AMR is essential for public health.
- AMR threatens the foundation of modern medicine.
- Collaboration and innovation are key to tackling AMR.
- The Regional Roadmap on AMR provides a strategic framework.
- Long-term investments in health are necessary to combat AMR.
New Delhi, Nov 21 (NationPress) Immediate measures against the escalating issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are crucial to keep infections treatable and surgeries safe, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) during the World AMR Awareness Week on Friday.
The WHO has called upon nations, particularly in the South-East Asia region, to "Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future."
“AMR poses a significant threat to the core of modern medicine, risking years of medical advancements, as common infections globally — especially in South-East Asia — are increasingly difficult to treat,” stated Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge of WHO South-East Asia.
“It is already causing fatalities, undermining critical treatments, and putting immense pressure on health systems. The toll of antimicrobial resistance leads to over a million deaths each year worldwide, and this figure is projected to rise sharply in the coming decades if urgent measures are not implemented,” Boehme emphasized.
The recent Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Report 2025 highlights the disproportionate impact of antibiotic resistance in lower and middle-income countries, particularly those with fragile health infrastructures.
Worryingly, in 2023, the highest rates of resistance were observed in the South-East Asia and Eastern Mediterranean regions.
“The South-East Asia Region encounters unique challenges, such as diverse health systems, varying access to medicines, and distinct antimicrobial usage patterns. Addressing these issues presents opportunities for innovation and leadership through strengthening regional partnerships, boosting laboratory capabilities, and supporting community-based initiatives,” Boehme remarked.
Additionally, the Regional Roadmap on AMR for the South-East Asia Region (2025–2030) was approved by Member States during the Seventy-eighth Session of the WHO Regional Committee in October 2025.
This roadmap provides a structured framework to expedite progress towards global AMR objectives and enhance country-led initiatives. It emphasizes the need for robust national leadership, integration into health priorities, sustainable financing, and improved governance.
“We must focus on long-term investments and strategic actions across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. Enhancing surveillance, ensuring fair access to quality medicines and diagnostics, nurturing innovation, and constructing resilient systems demand long-term dedication and resources,” Boehme concluded.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the pressing matter of antimicrobial resistance. The WHO's call to action serves as a wake-up call for governments and health systems worldwide. It is imperative that we prioritize this issue to safeguard public health and ensure that medical advancements are not reversed. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we can tackle AMR effectively.
NationPress
21/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is antimicrobial resistance?
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change in response to the use of medications, making standard treatments ineffective.
Why is AMR a global concern?
AMR poses a significant threat to global health, leading to increased mortality rates, prolonged hospital stays, and higher medical costs due to ineffective treatments.
How can countries combat AMR?
Countries can combat AMR by enhancing surveillance, ensuring equitable access to quality medicines, promoting responsible antibiotic use, and fostering collaboration across health sectors.
What are the consequences of inaction on AMR?
Failure to address AMR can result in untreatable infections, increased healthcare costs, and a reversal of decades of medical progress.
How can individuals help reduce AMR?
Individuals can help reduce AMR by using antibiotics responsibly, completing prescribed courses, and avoiding the use of antibiotics for viral infections.
