Prioritizing a One Health Approach in the Immediate Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Public Health
• Global Health Security

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health security threat.
• Despite progress, challenges remain in developing effective, immediate solutions.
• The One Health approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in AMR emergence and spread.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine critical areas contributing to AMR emergence and spread across One Health domains.
• To identify feasible, cost-effective, and immediate actions to combat AMR.
• To synthesize discussions from a public workshop hosted by the Forum on Microbial Threats.

Main Methods:

• Public workshop convened by the Forum on Microbial Threats.
• Synthesis of expert discussions on immediate actions for AMR mitigation.
• Focus on cross-domain (human, animal, environmental) strategies.

Main Results:

• Priorities for combating AMR were identified across four key areas.
• Key areas include enhanced surveillance systems.
• Stewardship, infection prevention, and behavior modification are crucial.
• Advancements in basic and applied research and development are needed.
• Improved global policy and coordination are essential.

Conclusions:

• Immediate, feasible, and cost-effective actions are critical for AMR containment.
• A multi-faceted approach integrating surveillance, stewardship, R&D, and global policy is necessary.
• The One Health framework provides a comprehensive strategy for addressing AMR.