Date : 08/06/2023

Relevance: GS Paper 2; international Organisations - WHO, GS Paper 3; Health and Other issues.

Key Words: Antimicrobial resistance, WHO, COVID-19, Antibiotic

Context -

The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently drafting a global instrument, known as the "pandemic treaty," to address future pandemic emergencies. However, concerns have been raised that the latest version of the draft may omit essential provisions related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global health threat.

The Scope of the Pandemic Instrument:

• The ongoing negotiations for the Pandemic Instrument primarily focus on preventing pandemics similar to COVID-19, given its recent global impact. However, it is essential to recognize that not all past or future pandemics are caused solely by viruses.
• Historical pandemics, such as those caused by bacterial diseases like plague and cholera, highlight the possibility of future pandemics stemming from bacteria or other microbes.
• The "pandemic treaty" should anticipate and prepare for a broader range of pandemic threats, including AMR.

The Importance of Addressing AMR:

• Even if future pandemics are viral in nature, secondary bacterial infections remain a substantial concern.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, a considerable number of hospitalized patients required treatment for secondary bacterial infections, particularly pneumonia.
• Effectively combating these bacterial infections relies on the availability of efficient antibiotics. However, the increasing prevalence of AMR threatens the effectiveness of existing antibiotics. Safeguarding the remaining effective antibiotics is crucial for responding to any future pandemic.

A Comprehensive Approach:

• Addressing AMR within the "pandemic treaty" is both necessary and feasible.
• Experts and civil society organizations have provided valuable input, emphasizing the inclusion of bacterial pathogens in the definition of pandemics and suggesting specific provisions to address viral and bacterial threats effectively.
• These recommendations also advocate for harmonizing national AMR stewardship rules and revitalizing research and development of novel antimicrobial drugs.

Importance of Global Action:

• AMR surpasses the capabilities of any individual country or sector to resolve.
• Consequently, global political action is crucial to mitigate AMR collectively and ensure the conservation, development, and equitable distribution of safe and effective antimicrobials.
• Failing to address AMR in the Pandemic Instrument would undermine its broader goals of protecting nations and communities from future pandemic emergencies.

Conclusion:

• Antimicrobials are an essential resource for pandemic response and must be protected. Governments committed to pandemic preparedness should support measures aimed at conserving the effectiveness of antimicrobials within the Pandemic Instrument.
• The inclusion of measures to mitigate AMR within the WHO's Pandemic Instrument is vital for safeguarding antimicrobials and effectively treating secondary infections in pandemics. Given the severity and global nature of AMR, collective action and support from member states are necessary to tackle this growing threat. By recognizing the critical role of antimicrobials in pandemic response, member states can strengthen the treaty's provisions and ensure the preservation of this invaluable resource.

Source : The Hindu