GARDP, FIND and WHO Agree to Explore Joint Initiatives That Could Help Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

The Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP), the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), and the World Health Organization (WHO) have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore joint initiatives that could improve the sustainable access to antibiotics and protect them against the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with an initial focus on sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

New drugs alone will not address the rapid rise in STIs, including drug-resistant gonorrhoea. Gonorrhoea has progressively developed resistance to globally recommended treatments and has been identified by WHO as a priority infection urgently requiring new antibiotics. It is essential the organizations work to ensure that these drugs can be accessed responsibly by everyone who needs them, for example through the use of affordable point-of-care tests.

The three key areas the organizations will focus on are strengthening STI case management, by fostering access to new tests and treatments for STIs in line with WHO evidenced-based guidelines and nationally adapted guidelines; evaluating public health needs for new tests and treatments for gonorrhoea, to assess appropriate use and stewardship; and defining strategies to monitor and delay the emergence of resistance to gonorrhoea treatments.