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New Delhi, November 20, 2024 — In a groundbreaking initiative to address the global challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has launched the Commonwealth Alliance of Medical Professionals on Antimicrobial Resistance (CAMP-AMR). The announcement came during the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) celebrations in the national capital, emphasizing international collaboration to tackle this pressing health crisis.
Uniting Nations Against AMR
CAMP-AMR brings together leaders from Commonwealth nations to develop coordinated strategies against AMR, a phenomenon where bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of antimicrobial medicines. This resistance is a growing threat to public health, especially in India, identified as a global hotspot for antibiotic-resistant infections.
“AMR is a formidable threat to public health in India, contributing to 297,000 direct deaths and over 1 million associated fatalities in 2019 alone,” said Dr. Narendra Saini, Chairman of IMA. “This alliance is a beacon of hope, aiming to reverse these alarming trends through unity and coordinated efforts.”
Dr. J A Jayalal, President of the Commonwealth Medical Association, described the Commonwealth Declaration on AMR as a “symbol of our unified commitment to confront this silent pandemic.” He added that leveraging the collective expertise of Commonwealth nations could ensure the availability of effective healthcare interventions for future generations.
Global and National Perspectives
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that bacterial AMR directly caused 1.27 million deaths globally in 2019, contributing to a total of 4.95 million deaths. In response to this crisis, the IMA has taken proactive measures, including the formation of the National Alliance of Medical Professionals on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAMP-AMR) earlier this year, comprising 52 medical specialty organisations and associations across India.
Dr. R V Asokan, IMA National President, highlighted the urgent need to address over-the-counter sales of antibiotics, enhance public awareness about their judicious use, and implement robust measures to prevent the further spread of AMR. “Pharmacists must dispense antibiotics only with a prescription from qualified doctors,” he said, echoing a call made earlier by Director-General of Health Services Atul Goel.
A Week to Reflect and Act
The launch of CAMP-AMR aligns with the theme of this year’s WAAW, “Educate. Advocate. Act now”. The week, observed from November 18-24 annually, seeks to raise awareness about AMR and encourage responsible practices in using antimicrobial medicines.
The alliance’s initiatives aim to curb the growing threat of AMR through policy advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and the promotion of best practices in healthcare. With India at the forefront of the global AMR crisis, CAMP-AMR is a vital step toward safeguarding public health and ensuring a sustainable future in healthcare.
