The Global Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance and the Challenges and Needs of Developing Countries (No.1)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) - in which a microorganism (such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite) becomes resistant to an antimicrobial drug used to treat infections caused by it - is possibly the most serious public health threat of our time. Recognising the gravity of the problem, the international community has moved to address a phenomenon that could undermine prevention and treatment of an increasing range of diseases and lead to millions of deaths. This global response, stresses this paper, must centrally involve the developing countries, where the impact of the AMR crisis would be greatest. Strengthening the capacity of developing countries to tackle AMR in turn requires international support in the way of financial and technological resources. Such support should, crucially, also include means to ensure affordable access to antimicrobials, both existing ones as well as new drugs developed to counter the AMR threat. This paper is a revised and updated version of a background paper used as speaking notes by the author in a panel discussion during the United Nations General Assembly high-level event on antimicrobial resistance at the UN in New York on 21 September 2016, which was convened at the level of heads of state and government. It was also presented at the Asian Regional Workshop on Antimicrobial Resistance (organised by the Third World Network and the South Centre and supported by the Fleming Fund) held in Penang, Malaysia, on 26-28 March 2018.

Martin Khor is Adviser to the Third World Network.