“𝐀𝐌𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐄: 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐲”

Every year on April 7th, World Health Day is celebrated as a reminder of the importance of global health and the challenges we confront in ensuring the well-being of all people around the world. This year, on the World Health Day  let us highlight a key issue impacting public health: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In the fight against AMR, efforts such as the Antimicrobial Resistance Action Center of Excellence (AMRACE) are critical in Antimicrobial Stewardship to tackle this expanding threat.

AMRACE is a multidisciplinary initiative dedicated to addressing the complex challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance. Founded on the principles of collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, Founded by Dr. Maneesh Paul, AMRACE represents a visionary initiative, using the technology tool, VaidyaRx, at the Bangalore Bioinnovation Center in the fight against AMR, Rotary club of Bangalore is one of the key implementation partners . AMRACE brings together experts from various fields, including medicine, microbiology, public health, policy, and advocacy, to develop comprehensive strategies for combating AMR.

Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance: AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop resistance to antimicrobial medications such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitic treatments. The incorrect use of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and agriculture, as well as poor infection prevention and control measures, all contribute to the emergence and spread of AMR.

AMR has far-reaching repercussions that pose substantial threats to global health security. Infections caused by resistant microorganisms are often more difficult to treat, resulting in prolonged hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and increased mortality rates. Furthermore, AMR undermines the efficacy of certain medical procedures and treatments, such as organ transplantation, chemotherapy, and surgeries, which require antimicrobial prophylaxis to prevent infections.

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is a concerted effort to optimize the use of antimicrobial medicines in order to ensure successful infection treatment while limiting the development of AMR. AMS includes a variety of methods and interventions targeted at encouraging optimal antimicrobial usage, avoiding infections, and maintaining the efficacy of existing antimicrobial agents. AMS key components include antimicrobial prescribing guidelines, tracking of antimicrobial use and resistance patterns, education and training of healthcare personnel, and public awareness initiatives.

Mission and goals:

AMRACE’s objective is to stimulate action against antimicrobial resistance through research, education, policy formulation, and advocacy. It intends to:

1. Raise awareness of the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public.
2. Advance Research: Conduct research to better understand antimicrobial resistance processes, uncover new treatment alternatives, and establish antimicrobial stewardship strategies.
3. Strengthen Surveillance: Improve surveillance systems to monitor the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant organisms, as well as antimicrobial use patterns.
4. Encourage innovation in the creation of novel antibiotics, diagnostic tests, and infection prevention technology.
5. Advocate for Policy Change: Advocate for policies and regulations that encourage responsible antimicrobial use, infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship throughout healthcare settings, veterinary medicine, and agriculture.

Key Initiatives and Programs:

AMRACE implements various initiatives and programs to achieve its goals, including:

1. Educational Campaigns: Organize educational campaigns, workshops, and training programs to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance and promote best practices in antimicrobial stewardship.
2. Research Grants: Provide funding support for research projects focused on antimicrobial resistance, including basic science, clinical research, and translational studies.
3. Policy Advocacy: Engage with policymakers at the local, national, and international levels to advocate for policies that address antimicrobial resistance and promote antimicrobial stewardship.
4. Global Partnerships: Collaborate with international organizations, research institutions, and governments to share knowledge, resources, and best practices in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Join the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

As we celebrate World Health Day, let us reinforce our commitment to combating AMR and ensuring the efficacy of agents for future generations. We can all work together to confront this important public health concern and create a healthier, more resilient society by supporting groups like AMRACE and fighting for policies that promote antimicrobial stewardship.

Finally, on World Health Day, let us all work together to combat AMR and defend the health and well-being of people around the world. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against AMR and ensure a safer, healthier future for future generations.