Jakarta, 12 October 2022
Antimicrobials are used to prevent, control and treat infectious diseases in humans, animals and plants, but they are becoming increasingly ineffective. There are very few new drugs in the pipeline. As a result of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death and reversing gains of medical science. The global economic loss due to AMR is estimated to be around $100 trillion by 2050. AMR is a threat that affects us all.
The Deputy Minister of Health of Indonesia has dubbed AMR as the silent pandemic as Indonesia is among the five countries with the highest projected percentage increase in antimicrobial consumption by 2030. WHO has also declared AMR as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.
“The need for evenly distributed laboratories in Indonesia has not been met, therefore many antibiotics are given without knowing exactly what is causing the disease. Although data is limited, it is clear that there is an increase in AMR problems in Indonesia," said Dr Anis Karuniawati, Head of the AMR Control Committee of the Ministry of Health.
According to her, every year there is an increase in the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria which can cause infections, particularly severe infections such as pneumonia and sepsis. In 2019, the prevalence of these two types of bacteria that are resistant to third generation cephalosporins is more than 60%.
Mukta Sharma, Technical Officer (AMR) of WHO Indonesia highlighted that misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals and plants are accelerating the development and spread of AMR worldwide. A global study estimates that more than 4.9 million people died in 204 countries in 2019 directly or indirectly due to antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
“People affected by AMR must deal with prolonged illness, longer duration of treatment, mental health challenges and social stigma, as well as significant financial burden. This is completely avoidable if we act together now. We must do this to protect the next generation,” she said.
Antimicrobials use in agriculture contributes to the spread of AMR, which can cause production losses, damage livelihoods, and jeopardize food security. “AMR can spread among different hosts and the environment, and antimicrobial resistant microorganisms can contaminate the food chain,” said Luuk Schoonman, Country Team Leader of FAO ECTAD Indonesia.
FAO predicts that in just a decade, if not addressed, AMR could force 24 million more people into extreme poverty, increasing hunger and malnutrition. “It is critical to prioritize coordination, collaboration and communication through a One Health approach to controlling AMR threats in Indonesia,” he added.
One Health is a holistic approach that recognizes animal, human, plant and environmental health as inextricably intertwined and interdependent. To curb AMR effectively, all sectors must use antimicrobials prudently and adopt other preventive measures. However, we must act now instead of waiting until AMR becomes worse and affects more people in the world. A One Health response to AMR will help save millions of lives, preserve antimicrobials for generations and secure the future from drug-resistant pathogens.
The following actions can help reduce the need for antimicrobials and minimize the emergence of AMR:
- ensure rational use of antibiotics that recognises them as a precious resource
- strengthen infection prevention and control in health facilities, farms and food industry premises
- ensure access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene
- ensure access to vaccination for vaccine-preventable diseases
- implement best practices in food, fisheries and agricultural production.
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About WHO
Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues, and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. https://www.who.int
AMR programme in WHO Indonesia is supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Multi Partners Trust Fund (MPTF).
Media contact: WHO Communications Team, seinocomm@who.int
About FAO
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With over 194 member states, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. Indonesia became a member of FAO in 1948. Collaboration between FAO and Indonesia across the food and agricultural sectors, including in fisheries and forestry has strengthened over the decades. As of today, over 750 projects and programs have been implemented by FAO throughout Indonesia with the assistance of more than 2000 experts and consultants both national and international.
About FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Diseases (ECTAD) Indonesia
FAO ECTAD is an emergency centre established in 2004 to assist member countries in responding to the crises caused by transboundary animal diseases. The persistent threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) to animal and human health in Indonesia brought the FAO ECTAD to Indonesia in 2006. FAO ECTAD today continues to work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to support control of HPAI and other endemic zoonotic diseases, while also focusing on new or re-emerging global health threats, which “spill over” into humans from animal populations.
Media contact: Siska Widyawati, Communication Specialist - FAO Representation in Indonesia (0878 8488 5489; siska.widyawati@fao.org)