Advancing national priorities for AMR mitigation: Highlights from the Delhi roundtable

2024-12-15

As part of World AMR Awareness Week, ReAct Asia Pacific, in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association (IMA), hosted a high-level roundtable in Delhi. The event aimed to align global commitments outlined in the 2024 UNGA Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) with national and local priorities. By fostering dialogue among diverse stakeholders, the roundtable sought to identify actionable strategies for combating AMR in India and beyond.

The discussions began with an exploration of the 2024 UNGA Declaration on AMR, emphasizing its relevance at the country level. Participants, drawn from healthcare, policy, civil society, academia, and the private sector, examined ways to contextualize and integrate these commitments into India’s unique health and governance landscape. This collaborative approach underscored the need for tailored strategies that reflect both national priorities and local realities while remaining aligned with global frameworks.

Evidence-based healthcare practices

Central to the discussions was the promotion of evidence-based prescribing practices. Participants stressed the importance of continuous professional education for healthcare workers, embedding AMR awareness into clinical curricula, and adopting updated guidelines. Auditing mechanisms were highlighted as essential to ensuring the rational use of antibiotics while minimizing the risk of resistance. Diagnostic stewardship emerged as another focal point, with calls for strengthened frameworks to enhance access to rapid diagnostic tools and point-of-care systems, particularly in underserved areas. The need for equitable diagnostic infrastructure resonated strongly, as timely and accurate diagnostics are pivotal in curbing unnecessary antibiotic use.

Regulatory framework and environmental considerations

Regulatory frameworks also featured prominently in the dialogue, with participants advocating for stringent measures to ensure the quality and safety of antimicrobials. Addressing counterfeit drugs and substandard practices was identified as a pressing challenge. Furthermore, the issue of antibiotic disposal drew considerable attention, with suggestions for environmentally sustainable practices, including take-back programs for expired medications. These measures aim to reduce wastage and environmental contamination while promoting responsible use.

Discussions on infection prevention and control (IPC) emphasized the standardization of sterilization protocols and the integration of IPC measures into broader health system strengthening initiatives. Participants called for dedicated training for frontline healthcare workers to ensure that hygiene practices are upheld across facilities. Public awareness and community participation were also underscored as critical components of AMR mitigation. Leveraging mass media and digital innovation to engage communities, alongside youth-driven campaigns, was proposed to foster widespread understanding of AMR and mobilize action. Advocacy efforts targeting policymakers and opinion leaders were seen as pivotal to securing sustained attention and resource allocation.

Agricultural and veterinary interventions

The roundtable also addressed the agricultural and veterinary sectors, recognizing their role in AMR mitigation. Participants highlighted the need for stringent veterinary guidelines and residue testing in livestock and food production systems to curb the misuse of antimicrobials. Strengthening farmer-level advocacy was suggested to encourage responsible practices and promote sustainability in agriculture. Monitoring and surveillance systems were identified as foundational to these efforts, with participants calling for robust mechanisms to track antimicrobial use and resistance patterns. Periodic prevalence surveys and performance indicators were recommended to refine AMR strategies and measure progress.
A key takeaway from the roundtable was the urgent need for multisectoral collaboration.

Building sustainable partnerships and future directions

AMR is a complex challenge requiring partnerships across governments, healthcare professionals, civil society, academia, and the private sector. Aligning national action plans with global frameworks, while leveraging shared resources and expertise, was seen as an effective way to drive coordinated efforts and achieve meaningful impact.

This roundtable, held during WAAW 2024, reinforced the collective responsibility to combat AMR through evidence-based actions and inclusive governance. As India strives to implement the commitments of the 2024 UNGA Declaration on AMR, such collaborative platforms will play a crucial role in advancing solutions that are both impactful and contextually relevant. By bridging global aspirations with local actions, the fight against AMR can gain the momentum it urgently requires.