Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global threat to humans, animals, plants, food systems and the environment. Without investment and commitments from countries globally to address this challenge, AMR will continue unabated. The Multi-Partner Trust Fund has successfully begun the essential work to address this challenge. With the overall goal of “having reduced levels of AMR and slower development of resistance” in 10 years’ time, the AMR MPTF has seen, in 2021, the initial steps towards this goal, with capacity built in 8 countries, and coordinated steppingstones under the global programme.
Addressing AMR requires a One Health approach, this includes consideration of the environment and the AMR associated biological and chemical pollutants that can impact human, animal, plant and ecosystem health. In mid-2021, UNEP became a co-signatory of the Fund, enhancing the understanding of the critical environmental dimensions of AMR. The four organizations worked closely together to develop the Joint Strategic Framework and work plan, which set out the strategic direction and plans for collaborative work on AMR over the next years.
The first global assessment of AMR estimated that nearly 5 million deaths in 2019 were associated with AMR. This not only underscores the severity of AMR globally but also highlights the urgent need to enhance country-level action and global commitment to tackle this growing threat to health and development. We hope that through the AMR-MPTF the organisations collaboratively can have an impact and assist countries to curb this silent pandemic.
