Hindu Editorial Analysis : 19-June-2023

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a grave threat to public health, as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of medicines, rendering infections more challenging to treat and increasing the risk of severe illnesses and fatalities. The Council of the European Union (EU) and India have recognized the urgent need to combat AMR and have taken significant steps to address this global challenge.

Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

AMR occurs when microbes evolve and become resistant to antimicrobial drugs, such as antibiotics. This phenomenon has severe health and economic implications, with millions of deaths associated with bacterial AMR each year. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics are the main drivers of resistance, along with other factors like lack of access to clean water, poor infection control, and limited awareness.

Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: Editorial Analysis
Courtesy:biomerieux Connection
EU’s Approach to Combating AMR

The EU has adopted a comprehensive One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The European Commission proposed recommendations to strengthen action against AMR, focusing on various aspects:

  1. Strengthening National Action Plans: The EU aims to enhance individual countries’ action plans to combat AMR effectively.
  2. Reinforcing Surveillance and Monitoring: Timely access to real-time data on AMR and antimicrobial consumption is crucial for effective interventions.
  3. Promoting Prudent Use of Antimicrobials: The EU recommends the judicious use of antimicrobials in human and animal health to reduce resistance risks.
  4. Setting Targets for Antimicrobial Consumption: The EU aims to reduce antibiotic consumption by 20% compared to the 2019 baseline year.
  5. Improving Awareness and Education: Raising awareness and providing education about AMR are vital in promoting responsible antibiotic use.
  6. Fostering Research and Development: Encouraging innovation and access to antimicrobials and medical countermeasures are essential for combating AMR.
  7. Enhancing Global Actions: Cooperation among nations is crucial to tackle AMR on a global scale.
Measures Taken in India to Address AMR

India has also recognized the urgency of addressing AMR and has implemented several initiatives to combat the growing epidemic:

  1. National Programme on AMR Containment: Launched during the 12th FYP (Five-Year Plan) in 2012-17.
  2. National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR): Focused on the One Health approach, involving various stakeholders.
  3. AMR Surveillance Network: Established by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 2013 to capture trends and patterns of drug-resistant infections.
  4. AMR Research & International Collaboration: ICMR has partnered internationally to develop new drugs and strengthen medical research in AMR.
  5. National Health Policy 2017: India’s National Health Policy has identified managing AMR as a key priority, leading to several initiatives by the health ministry.
Why In News

Recently, the Council of the European Union (EU) took a groundbreaking step by adopting a comprehensive set of recommendations to bolster efforts in combatting antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These measures aim to enhance coordination among member states, promote responsible antimicrobial use, and foster research and development of innovative treatments to address this urgent global health challenge.

MCQs about Antimicrobial Resistance

  1. What is the main cause of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?
    A. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics
    B. Lack of access to clean water and sanitation
    C. Poor infection prevention and control
    D. Lack of awareness and knowledge
    Correct Answer: A. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics
    Explanation: The biggest drivers of antibiotic resistance are the overuse and misuse of antibiotics.
  2. What is the One Health approach in combating AMR?
    A. Focusing on human health only
    B. Focusing on animal health only
    C. Focusing on human, animal, and environmental health
    D. Focusing on environmental health only
    Correct Answer: C. Focusing on human, animal, and environmental health
    Explanation: The One Health approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in combating AMR.
  3. What is one of the targets set by the EU to combat AMR?
    A. Increase antibiotic consumption by 20% compared to 2019
    B. Improve access to low-quality and expensive medicines
    C. Strengthen national action plans against AMR
    D. Reduce surveillance and monitoring of AMR and antimicrobial consumption
    Correct Answer: C. Strengthen national action plans against AMR
    Explanation: The one of the recommendations by the EU is to strengthen national action plans against AMR.
  4. What is one of the measures taken by India to address AMR?
    A. Ignoring the issue of AMR and focusing on other healthcare priorities
    B. Encouraging the misuse of antibiotics among the population
    C. Establishing an AMR surveillance and research network
    D. Reducing investments in medical research related to AMR
    Correct Answer: C. Establishing an AMR surveillance and research network
    Explanation: The India has established an AMR surveillance and research network to capture trends and patterns of drug-resistant infections in the country.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading