One Health approaches to tackling antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant and growing threat to human health. A recent United Nations General Assembly declaration highlights that those in need must have sustained access to effective treatments. In the absence of a reliable supply of new drugs, pressure on existing drugs can be reduced by minimising demand. Routes to reducing demand include: promotion of WASH (access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC); improved infection control in health care settings; and continued efforts to curtail drug use in agriculture. This is a One Health strategy, requiring coordinated action across the human, livestock and environmental sectors.