New Delhi: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has introduced the Commonwealth Alliance of Medical Professionals on Antimicrobial Resistance (CAMP-AMR). This initiative is designed to combat the escalating issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Commonwealth nations, with a particular focus on India, a significant hotspot for antibiotic-resistant infections.
Dr. Narendra Saini, Chairman of IMA, emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting, “AMR is a formidable threat to public health in India, contributing to 297,000 deaths directly and another 1.04 million associated deaths in 2019 alone. This alliance is a beacon of hope and action, aiming to reverse these alarming trends through unity and coordinated efforts.”
Explaining the issue further, he stated, “AMR develops when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become resistant to antimicrobial medicines such as antibiotics, antibacterials, and antivirals. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this resistance makes infections harder or impossible to treat, increasing the risks of disease spread, severe illness, disability, and mortality.”
