ISLAMABAD: Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Health Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Barath has said anti-microbial resistance (AMR) posed a significant threat to global health, and Pakistan was taking steps to address the growing crisis.

He was speaking at a multi-stakeholder meeting organised by National Institute of Health (NIH) to finalise a revised National Action Plan on AMR.

“AMR is a global health emergency that can lead to serious infections and increased mortality rates. It is particularly concerning in low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan, where it can undermine efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. The revised action plan aims to strengthen surveillance systems, promote the responsible use of antibiotics, and improve infection prevention and control measures. Key stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare providers and civil society organisations, will collaborate to implement the plan,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of effective governance and coordination to combat AMR. He highlighted the need for integrated health systems to ensure optimal antibiotic use and improve public health outcomes. He also stressed the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration to address AMR. He called for stronger coordination among various ministries and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive and effective response.

He said the government had taken some concrete steps in order to establish a governance mechanism. A national multi-sectoral AMR steering committee has been notified to ensure inter-sectoral information sharing and multi-sectoral coordination.

“In addition, the AMR secretariat has been established at NIH to coordinate and implement National Action Plan for AMR,” he added.

Dr Muhammad Salman, CEO of NIH, underscored the need to integrate AMR into national health policies. He advocated for increased investment in surveillance systems to monitor resistance trends and inform public health interventions.

“By implementing the revised National Action Plan on AMR, Pakistan aims to protect public health, reduce the burden of AMR-related infections, and contribute to global efforts to combat this pressing health challenge,” he said.

It is pertinent to mention that bacteria have internal intelligence due to which, because of excessive use of antibiotics, it changes itself according to the medicine and creates resistance against the medicines. In the past, bacteria could be killed with low potency medicines but now for the same virus high potency medicines are required which is due to AMR.

On the other hand, when antibiotics fail to work the consequences are longer-lasting illnesses, more doctor visits or extended hospital stays, and the need for more expensive and toxic antibiotics.

In some cases, the antibiotic-resistant infections can lead to serious disability or even death. Moreover, as per World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates, the cost of management would be $100 trillion by 2050 if nothing is done to reverse the trend.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2024