Taskforce members, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
Welcome to this inaugural meeting of the Regional Taskforce for Antimicrobial Resistance.
I thank you for your enthusiasm to serve on the Taskforce, which will function as a means for our Region to pursue its ‘Sustain. Accelerate. Innovate’ vision in relation to AMR.
While AMR remains a substantial problem in our Region and beyond, the Taskforce has much progress to build on.
In 2011 the Region adopted the Jaipur Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance.
In 2014 we made combating AMR a Flagship Priority.
In 2015 the World Health Assembly adopted the Global Action Plan on AMR.
And by 2018 all countries had developed national action plans to address the problem.
All Member States have now signed on to the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System.
Across the Region, the AWaRe classification scheme is being rolled out. Antimicrobial stewardship plans are being implemented. National Regulatory Agencies are stepping up. Reference laboratories are being augmented. And situational analyses are being carried out.
Importantly, we know what progress has been made on each National Action Plan and where further efforts are needed. Full implementation is crucial. We also know where plans must be tweaked to reflect evolving circumstances.
I am pleased that the WHO-FAO-OIE Tripartite is securing vulnerabilities at the human-animal-ecosystems interface. I also appreciate efforts to address health care-associated infections – a problem of great magnitude.
I commend Member States on their commitment and resolve. We are working with common purpose to address a common problem.
But let us be clear: Our challenges are immense.
The South-East Asia Region both supplies and consumes a large proportion of the world’s antibiotics.
It is home to most AMR genotypes and phenotypes, including carbepenemase-producing and colistin-resistant gram-negative bacteria.
We have a high concentration of drug-resistant TB – a key challenge as we strive to end TB by 2030.
We know the global projections: Unless urgent action is taken, by 2050 10 million people will be killed by AMR annually at a cost of USD 100 trillion.
An estimated 700 000 people already die of AMR each year.
The need to accelerate progress is evident. This Taskforce will be the ‘tip of the spear’ in our Region’s quest to do that.
Members, colleagues,
The Taskforce’s TORs are clear.
First, to identify how best to advocate to Member States the need to prevent and control AMR.
Second, to review WHO contributions to containing AMR and provide a practical strategic approach for country-level activities, including by mainstreaming AMR into existing programmes.
Third, to develop a mechanism for efficient collaboration with sectors that influence AMR, and for sharing experiences to prevent and contain it.
Fourth, to identify resource gaps at the Regional level and in Member States and provide guidance on ways to strengthen resource mobilization.
And fifth, to monitor progress and identify constraints in carrying out AMR activities in Member States while providing advice on the way forward.
Given the expertise gathered, I am certain the Taskforce will fulfill its mandate.
In doing so, I am positive we will make the most of coming sessions and ensure all discussion topics are adequately explored.
For example, how can we ensure specific modules on AMR are included in medical and nursing curricula, and even school curricula? How can we harness mainstream media to disseminate our message?
How can digital tools enhance surveillance and stewardship, and what role could they have in the future of diagnostics?
What policies will contain over-the-counter sale of antibiotics while ensuring access to medicine? Is it possible to stop the use of antibiotics and antifungals in the agriculture and food sector without causing economic losses?
And what areas of work will have the greatest impact in combating AMR in our Region?
The questions are many. Our time is short.
Members, colleagues
The global battle against AMR is relatively new. Only in the past decade has it advanced up the policy agenda to assume the prominence it has today.
The struggle against AMR is now a global priority, and one that we have much to contribute to. As I stated at the outset, the Region’s efforts began as early as 2011.
We have much progress to show, and much progress to make.
I have full confidence that this Taskforce will sustain our achievements and accelerate progress.
In doing so, I am sure it will help ensure our most precious drugs remain fit for purpose today, tomorrow and well in to the future. We cannot afford anything less.
I wish you productive deliberations and look forward to being apprised of the outcomes.
Thank you.