Governing Global Antimicrobial Resistance: 6 Key Lessons From the Paris Climate Agreement

Authors: Isaac Weldon, MSc, Susan Rogers Van Katwyk, PhD, Gian Luca Burci, Dr Giur, Thana C. de Campos, DPhil, Mark Eccleston-Turner, PhD, Helen R. Fryer, DPhil, Alberto Giubilini, PhD, Thomas Hale, PhD, Mark Harrison, DPhil, Stephanie Johnson, PhD, Claas Kirchhelle, DPhil, Kelley Lee, DPhil, Kathleen Liddell, DPhil, Marc Mendelson, PhD, Gorik Ooms, PhD, James Orbinski, MD, MSc, MA,
Laura J. V. Piddock, PhD, John-Arne Røttingen, MD, PhD, Julian Savulescu, PhD, Andrew C. Singer, PhD, A. M. Viens, PhD, Clare Wenham, PhD, Mary E. Wiktorowicz, PhD, MSc, Shehla Zaidi, MD, PhD, and Steven J. Hoffman, JD, PhD, LLD

Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is among the most urgent global health challenges of our time. AMR can develop with each use of an antimicrobial, regardless of the setting. The ongoing use of the same antimicrobials across sectors and the ability of microbes to transfer among people, animals, food, and environments; spread across borders through global trade and travel; and bring entire economies to a halt means that every antimicrobial consumed has global implications. Some microbes have already developed resistance to all known antimicrobials, meaning previously curable diseases have become untreatable. If immediate action is not taken, the effectiveness of these vital medicines will continue to diminish, further undermining modern medicine’s ability to treat infectious diseases and perform essential medical procedures.