Multi-stakeholder approach to reverse antibiotic resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of microbes (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) to resist medicines, causing untreatable infections and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and even death. AMR is accelerated by misues and overuse across the food system -- in human, animal, plant health, and antibiotic water residues in the environment. The use of antimicrobials in intensive animal production is a particularly concerning factor in the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. To reverse the trend of increased resistance, this innovation proposes effective collaborative efforts across all accountable sectors (policymakers, farmers, veterinarians, businesses etc) around responsible use and awareness of antibiotics in the food value chain. For example, policy makers can enact binding legislation that ensure that concrete, quantifiable steps are taken to regulate and spark innovation within the antibiotic industry as well as create awareness across relevant sectors and the general public to insist on proper antibiotic usage. As such, antibiotics are often a routine decision for farmers and animal health professionals to prevent and treat illnesses and infections. Education awareness campaigns could train human and animal health professionals on responsible prescribing practices, educate the public on correct consumption and disposal of antimicrobials, and educate farmers on the responsible use of antimicrobial drugs.