Antibiotic resistance focus critical
Pandemic- level infectious diseases that have plagued mankind for centuries are sometimes called “the enemy we cannot see.” While years of relentless research and innovation, like the discovery of antibiotics, addressed this problem, a more ominous one emerged.
This is antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the emergence of superbugs or the development of multidrug-resistant organisms.
AMR, where microorganisms once sensitive to a strain of antimicrobial medicine become resistant, has been described by the World Health Organization and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) as a global challenge that continues to undermine public healthcare if it persists.
This means that an antibiotic that was used before to treat infections like pneumonia, may not be effective on your next pneumonia episode.
If no advancements are made to combat AMR, patients may suffer from longer hospital stays and increasing costs associated with the stay.
On top of that, 10 million deaths every year by 2050 are foreseen globally. One course of collective action has been the establishment of the AMR Action fund by the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies and is supported by the IFPMA.
The Department of Health tagged AMR a national priority.
The goal is to fund the production of two to four novel antibiotics by 2030 to mitigate the rising effects of AMR across the world. Biopharma Merck Sharp & Dohme has pledged its commitment to invest $100 million for over 10 years in the AMR Action Fund.
This collaboration among leading pharmaceutical companies, philanthropies, development banks, and multilateral organizations aims to bridge the gap between science and people, opening opportunities to sustain and continue antibiotic research and development.
In the case of the Philippines, about 14,000 cases of drug- resistant infections were identified within the past decade alone. Because of this, the Department of Health tagged AMR a national priority and has called for joint efforts “in the pursuit of a better healthcare system for our countrymen.”