Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance

About Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance:

• It consists of world leaders and experts from across sectors working together to accelerate political action on antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• It performs an independent global advisory and advocacy role and works to maintain urgency, public support, political momentum and visibility of the AMR challenge on the global health and development agenda. 
• Background:
  • It was established in November 2020 following the recommendation of the Interagency Coordination Group (IACG) on Antimicrobial Resistance to strengthen global political momentum and leadership on AMR.
  • The inaugural meeting of the Group took place in January 2021. 
• Secretariat: The Quadripartite Joint Secretariat (QJS) on Antimicrobial Resistance, a joint effort by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) provide secretariat support for the Group.

What is antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?

• It is the ability of bacteria and other microbes to resist the drugs used to inhibit or kill them.
• These microbes are sometimes referred to as ‘superbugs’ and are responsible for causing drug-resistant infections that are difficult to treat.
• Causes of AMR:
  • AMR is a naturally occurring phenomenon, the main cause of resistance to antimicrobials is antimicrobial drug use.
  • Current high usage of antimicrobial drugs in humans, animals and plants is leading to a concerning rise in drug-resistance and making infections harder to treat.