Combating antimicrobial resistance in the Pacific

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health and socioeconomic issue threatening Pacific people’s health and future. Between 2020 and 2030, up to 32,000 people in the Pacific are expected to die due to drug-resistance, costing Pacific island countries and areas (PICs) around $500 million per year. AMR is driven by misuse and overuse of antibiotics, lack of access to clean water and sanitation, poor infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities, limited access to healthcare, limited laboratory capacity, and increasing international travel. PICs are advancing their efforts to address AMR, in line with the priorities of the Pacific Islands WHO Multi-country Cooperation Strategy 2024-2029. Currently, ten PICs have action plans to tackle AMR, including strengthening surveillance and laboratory capacity for early detection. The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging collaboration with health, agriculture, and environment sectors to combat AMR using a One Health approach.