94 / 2024-10-26 07:00:26

An One Health perspective on Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a significant concern.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical challenge impacting human, animal, and environmental health, making it a significant concern from a One Health perspective. This interconnected approach highlights that AMR threatens public health by rendering antibiotics ineffective, leading to higher treatment failures and mortality rates. In animal health, the use of antimicrobials in livestock for growth promotion contributes to the emergence and spread of resistant pathogens, which can transfer to humans through the food chain or direct contact. Environmental contamination from healthcare and agricultural waste creates reservoirs of resistant bacteria, exacerbating the problem. The economic burden of AMR strains healthcare systems and disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, highlighting global inequities. A One Health approach fosters collaboration across human health, veterinary medicine, and environmental science, enabling integrated surveillance, education, policy development, and research. By addressing AMR holistically, we can preserve antibiotic effectiveness, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and protect global health, recognizing the vital interconnectedness of our health systems.