The World Health Organization’s (WHO) “Global research agenda for antimicrobial resistance in human health” outlines 40 priority research topics to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is driven by the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals and plants.
Globally, in 2019 AMR was directly responsible for an estimated 1.27 million deaths and contributed to an estimated 4.97 million deaths. In Indonesia – the world’s fourth largest country – AMR is a pressing public health challenge. By 2030, Indonesia is projected to be among five countries globally with the highest percentage increase in antimicrobial consumption.
The WHO Global research agenda – intended for a multidisciplinary audience – aims to increase knowledge on AMR in the human health sector globally and in countries of all income levels. Key priorities include evaluating the impact of water, sanitation and hygiene interventions in communities and health-care settings; developing rapid point-of-care tests to distinguish bacterial from viral infections; and adapting and implementing stewardship tools such as the WHO AWaRe antibiotic book. The agenda also highlights the need to advance new vaccines for tuberculosis (TB), while improving diagnostic strategies and optimizing shorter, safer treatment regimens.
For Indonesia, the agenda complements its recently launched human health sector plan to address AMR based on WHO’s people-centred approach, which was the first of its kind globally. It aligns with Indonesia’s first national survey to tackle AMR in bloodstream infections, which was launched in November 2024. And if implemented, the agenda would also strengthen national efforts to address drug-resistant TB, which in 2023 affected an estimated 30 000 Indonesians.
Through the agenda, WHO is committed to supporting Indonesia to translate research into action that strengthens health systems and ensures our most precious drugs remain fit for purpose.
Download the Global research agenda on antimicrobial resistance in human health here: Global research agenda for antimicrobial resistance in human health