Jeddah Commitments on AMR | 18 Nov 2024

Source: DTE 

Why in News? 

Recently, the 4^th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) concluded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with the adoption of the Jeddah Commitments. 

• Jeddah Commitments laid down practical, actionable and cross-sectoral steps stakeholders to address AMR-related goals by 2030. 
• Its theme was “From Declaration to Implementation – Accelerating Actions Through Multisectoral Partnerships for the Containment of AMR.” 

What are the Key Initiatives in Jeddah Commitments?   

• Establishment of New Hubs: It announced an AMR 'One Health' Learning Hub and a regional Antimicrobial Access and Logistics Hub in Saudi Arabia to enhance access to essential antimicrobials and diagnostics. 
• Biotech Bridge Initiative: It calls for the creation of a new ‘biotech bridge’ aimed at boosting research, development and innovation to find solutions to the global threat. 
• Quadripartite Joint Secretariat (QJS) on AMR: It highlighted the role of QJS on AMR which aims to bolster efforts to prevent and reduce the rise of AMR. 
• Other Key Actions:  
  • Establishment of an Independent Panel for Evidence on Action Against AMR by 2025. 
  • Creation of operational national AMR coordination mechanisms. 
  • Promotion of global data sharing through platforms like GLASS AMR/AMC, ANIMUSE, and INFARM. 
  • Adherence to Codex Alimentarius Commission guidelines for responsible antimicrobial use. 

What are the Key Points about QJS on AMR? 

• About: QJS on AMR is a collaborative effort between four key international organisations i.e., FAO, UNEP, WHO, and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) to address the global challenge of AMR. 
• Establishment: It was created following a request from the United Nations Secretary-General to the Executive Leaders of the then Tripartite organisations (FAO, WHO, WOAH). 
• Purpose and Role: It provides global advocacy, technical guidance, political engagement, and promotes a shared vision and goals for addressing AMR. 
  • It acts as the Secretariat for global governance structures related to AMR. 
• Hosting and Operations: It is hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO). 
  • It is tasked with implementing the recommendations of the Inter-agency Coordinating Group on AMR (IACG). 

What are Key Points about AMR? 

• About AMR: AMR occurs when pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) evolve to resist the effects of antimicrobial medicines, making treatments ineffective and increasing risks of severe illness, disease spread, and death. 
  • Resistant pathogens are termed as superbugs. 
• Causes of AMR: AMR is a natural process in pathogens, but human activities like misusing and overusing antimicrobials speed up its spread. 
  • Excessive Use: Over-prescribing antibiotics for viral infections. 
  • Inappropriate Use: Taking antibiotics without supervision or using the wrong ones. 
  • Self-medication: Using leftover or unprescribed antibiotics. 
  • Subtherapeutic Dosing: Taking insufficient antibiotic doses, allowing bacteria to adapt. 
  • Routine Use in Animals: Antibiotics are used in livestock to promote growth or prevent disease, not just for infections. 
  • Spread to Humans: Resistant bacteria can transfer to humans through meat consumption or contact with animals. 
• Economic Costs: The World Bank estimates AMR could add USD 1 trillion in healthcare costs by 2050 and cause annual GDP losses of USD 1 trillion to USD 3.4 trillion by 2030.