Antimicrobial Resistance: Identifying the Major Conflicts of Interest and Way Forward

Consistent and sustainable actions in the right direction to address the current public health challenges of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is crucial to avert the severe negative impact on health and development of the global population. Inadequate knowledge on the appropriate use of antibiotics in humans as well as in food production (meat and plant-based), lack of hygiene, and poverty are some of the major contributing factors to the emergence and spread of AMR. While existing antimicrobials are becoming ineffective at an alarming rate and the discovery void in new classes of antibiotics has remained for decades, specific attention on the rational use of available antibiotics is crucial. While low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) address their double burden of diseases with inadequate healthcare systems and lack of preparedness to address AMR, the commercial interests of the market forcing for the irrational use of antimicrobials will also remain a major trigger. Hence, LMICs require greater commitment in operationalizing their national AMR action plan which have all been adopted from the WHO’s Global Action Plan. This review article provides a summary of global events for AMR, HIV/AIDS and NCDs, to draw out the disparity of resolutions and conflicts of interest. Increased knowledge and education on the rational use of antimicrobials is key for agricultural industries, health care professionals as well as patients and communities. The implementation of national and international policies along with youth participation is bound to lead to positive health and development outcomes.