Global Antibiotic Resistance and Its Challenges in India
The World Health Organization's Global antibiotic resistance surveillance report 2025 (GLASS) highlights the severe threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India and South-East Asia. Approximately one in three bacterial infections in India are resistant to common antibiotics, with significant implications for public health.
Key Findings
- High Resistance Rates: Major antibiotics show high resistance, especially in serious infections caused by organisms like E.coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Aggravating Factors:
- Over-the-counter antibiotic access
- Self-medication and incomplete courses
- Environmental contamination
- Regulatory enforcement issues
Initiatives and Challenges
- National Programme on AMR Containment: Efforts include expanding the lab network but face challenges such as insufficient funding and limited coordination across sectors.
- Surveillance Data Limitations: Most data are from tertiary hospitals, potentially overestimating resistance rates, not reflecting primary or secondary care settings.
State-Level Actions
- Kerala's Efforts: Launched the AMRITH initiative to regulate antibiotic sales, reducing AMR levels through public awareness and regulatory enforcement.
Global Perspective and Solutions
- Awareness and Education: Emphasizing the importance of spreading information about bacterial roles and leveraging the COVID-19 experience for a united approach against AMR.
- Antibiotic Development: Initiatives are underway to develop new antibiotics, although many do not meet innovation criteria, highlighting the need for new mechanisms and global accessibility.
Recommendations for Improvement
- Expanding Surveillance: Involving more reporting centers and utilizing existing lab infrastructure for a comprehensive national surveillance network.
- Innovation and Policy Enforcement: Encouraging the development of new antibiotics and enforcing policy at the state and national levels.
Conclusion
The report underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle AMR in India. By improving stewardship and awareness, and ensuring equitable access to care and medication, significant strides can be made in mitigating this public health crisis.
