New report calls for collective action to fight ‘silent pandemic' of Asia's growing antimicrobial resistance
A new report by Temasek Trust initiatives calls for more funding to tackle antimicrobial resistance in Asia (AMR), which could become the leading cause of death by 2050. The report, released May 5, outlines four key areas where funders can drive meaningful impact - from education and prevention to surveillance and treatment.
"Antimicrobial resistance is on track to become the deadliest health threat facing humanity. But with urgent action and targeted finance, over 100 million deaths could be prevented by 2050," reads the report by the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) and the World Economic Forum's GAEA (Giving to Amplify Earth Action) initiative, supported by the Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA).
Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are accelerating bacterial growth and disease transmission, while disrupting healthcare and immunisation services, say the report's authors. Climate-related pressures are also driving the increased use of antimicrobials in livestock and crops, contaminating freshwater sources and fuelling drug resistance, they add.
In Asia Pacific, AMR-related costs are projected to reach up to US$700 billion by 2050, accounting for up to 1% of the region's GDP. However, timely investment in AMR solutions could generate between US$10 billion and US$15 billion in annual healthcare savings, and cut the region's annual socioeconomic costs by up to US$40 billion within the next decade, claim the authors.
The 52-page report, titled "Targeted Action and Financing the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance in Asia", draws on insights from 15 case studies and examples of funding mechanisms, along with contributions from 26 organisations.
New therapeutics, such as drugs and vaccines, can take 10 to 15 years to develop and launch to market. Hence, the authors call for immediate and practical interventions to curb resistance today and pave the way for long-term solutions.
The report proposes interventions in four areas:
Educate: Improving knowledge and behaviour by strengthening awareness of AMR among clinicians, patients and farmers; emphasising the importance of avoiding the overuse or abuse of antimicrobials; as well as introducing strategies to prevent infections in the first place.
Prevent: Strengthening health systems and services by boosting preventive measures such as improving diagnostic capabilities and investing in better water, sanitation and hygiene measures.
Monitor: Enhancing regional surveillance, and data collection and sharing between actors, especially in lower-income countries.
Treat: Investing in research and development for new antimicrobials, and increasing access to novel and essential medicines.
Private funders, impact investors and philanthropists have a vital role to play in closing critical gaps, say the authors, particularly in late-stage drug development, where funding is scarce.
By pooling resources, funders can help bring life-saving treatments to market, strengthen the antibiotic pipeline, and build more sustainable and widespread access to essential medicines.
PAA CEO Shaun Seow says the report is a catalyst for deeper involvement from all sectors - philanthropic, public and private. "It highlights the scale of the AMR threat and the opportunity for collective action. We are encouraged by the ongoing work of organisations - including PAA members like the Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust and Novo Nordisk Foundation - in driving AMR research and greater access to affordable solutions. Now is the time for more partners to come together, pool resources and support high-impact solutions that safeguard health and resilience across Asia and beyond."
Infographic: CIIP, GAEA, PAA
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