If we are to have a chance at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, we must increase the world’s determination to mitigate AMR.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the effectiveness of antimicrobials essential to modern healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable development. As bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop resistance to treatments, common infections and routine procedures, such as those used in healthcare or veterinary settings, become increasingly difficult and sometimes impossible to treat.
AMR undermines progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with implications for human health, agro-food systems, economic development, and the environment. Effective antimicrobials are critical to achieving universal health coverage, ending preventable deaths, and supporting safe food systems.
In 2019, the World Health Organization named AMR as one of the top 10 global public health threats. In 2022, the Quadripartite organizations (WHO, FAO, UNEP, WOAH) reaffirmed this through a joint commitment to coordinated, multisectoral action under the One Health approach.
These trends call for urgent, equity-focused action.
The rise of AMR is driven by a combination of factors across sectors, for example:
If left unaddressed, AMR could reduce global GDP by 1.1% to 3.8% annually by 2050 — an economic shock comparable to but longer lasting than the 2008–2009 financial crisis. LMICs are expected to face the most severe economic and health impacts.
178 countries have developed national action plans on AMR7. However, despite this growing recognition of the problem:
Bridging the science-policy gap and then translating policy into action, while improving coordination across sectors and borders, is critical. Importantly, this involves not only ensuring that evidence informs policy, but also that policy is effectively translated into implementation.
Despite the alarming projections, the potential for action is significant:
ICARS works in close partnership with low- and middle-income countries to design, implement, and scale context-specific solutions that reduce drug-resistant infections. The focus is on intervention and implementation research, capacity strengthening, and supporting sustainable change across sectors under the One Health framework.
Reducing AMR requires a global effort. Countries, funders, and foundations are invited to partner with ICARS to co-create effective, lasting solutions.
