5.1 What can we do to address the problem of AMR?

The problem of AMR is a universal issue; every one of us could be directly or indirectly impacted by it. AMR already has a significant impact, being responsible for an estimated 700,000 deaths worldwide in 2014 (Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, 2014), and this impact will become increasingly severe if action is not taken now.

In this section you will learn about steps we can and should take to fight the problem of AMR. You will use your understanding of the underlying causes that have led to the global scale of the problem of AMR to reflect on how all these steps are in themselves contributing to fighting it.

Activity 22: Ten things we can do to reduce AMR

Watch Video 10, which shows ten things we can do to reduce AMR.

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Transcript: Video 10

TEXT ON SCREEN
The 10 steps to reducting AMR according to the Review on Antimicrobial Resistance.
1 Public awareness. Improving global awareness of AMR to reduce use of antibiotics when theyre not needed.
2 Improved hygiene. Focus on improving basic access to water and sanitation, and reduce infectious diseases in hospital and care settings.
3 Reducing antibiotics in agriculture and their dissemination in the environment, as well as use simply to promote growth.
4 Global surveillance of AMR. From levels of drug resistance to consumption of antimicrobials in both humans and animals.
5 Develop rapid diagnostics. Investing in the Global Innovation Fund to revolutionise the way antimicrobials are used.
6 New vaccines and alternatives. Lowering the demand for reactive treatments and renew early research for vaccines.
7 Recognition of hard work. Increasing the numbers of people working in infectious disease, the recognition of those already doing so, and improving pay for important work.
8 Creating a Global Innovations Fund. Supporting early-stage development in a field where public and private R&D is lacking.
9 Incentives for investment. Creating a commercial viable market for antibiotics that will incentivise investment in R&D spending.
10 Collaboration on a global scale. Bringing together global partners including the G20 and the UN to build worldwide support against AMR.
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Take a moment to reflect on these ten steps. Pick three steps and, use your understanding of the underlying causes and drivers of the problem of AMR to write down how each of these steps contributes to addressing the problem. If you have difficulty thinking of things you can do, just watch the video again.

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Activity 23: Self-reflection

The AMR crisis affects us all so we can all do something to fight it.

  1. Think of three things you can do in your personal life that are important in combatting the AMR crisis.
  2. How can you contribute to combatting the AMR crisis in your professional life?
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5 The global response to fight AMR

5.2 One Health