Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne chaired a significant consultation session at the United Nations, gathering Member States and Observers to discuss the Political Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
Under Chris Fearne’s guidance, Malta has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at urgently tackling antimicrobial resistance.
Antimicrobials which include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics are all types of medicines which are taken to combat infectious diseases. AMR or Antimicrobial Resistance occur when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines.
Antimicrobial resistance represents a critical global health challenge. Due to the misuse of antimicrobials it is projected that the average global life expectancy will diminish by around 1.8 years over the next decade.
Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne urged various world leaders to quickly address the ever alarming issue and outlined 5 essential priorities to achieve an effective political declaration about AMR.
These 5 priorities include :
- Think Globally, Act Locally – He explained that whilst we need global solutions, effectively addressing AMR threats needed strong National Action plans which address divergent national realities and needs.
- Investment in R&D – Investment in research and development of new antimicrobials is key, however investment must also be linked to access to existing antimicrobials across the globe especially in low- and middle-income countries.
- Set Targets – Targets in the Political Declaration must be clear and measurable, under the direction of an independent panel. We need to move towards actionable outcomes.
- Just Transition – Minister Fearne noted that actions intended to address AMR in a One Health approach will undoubtedly impact the operations of small and medium sized agricultural activities amongst others and therefore the Political Declaration needs to provide for a fair and just transition.
- Consistent Monitoring – We need to see a strong monitoring mechanism, sending a strong signal of our commitment to address this existential threat.
Fearne later stated that while we are the first ever generation to have access to antimicrobial medicines we have to make sure that we are not the last.
#MaltaDaily