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Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most serious global One Health threats of the 21st century, linking the interests, concerns and efforts of human health, animal health, and environmental health.

While antimicrobial resistance is a natural phenomenon, the largely unrestrained use of antimicrobials in human and animal health and agriculture combined with several other complex factors is accelerating the emergence and spread of resistant pathogens. Of these factors, the failing market for antimicrobial development has meant that the breadth and novelty of the current pipeline of new antimicrobials is insufficient to meet the ongoing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Australia is lagging in several key areas, including public awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance; stewardship; coordination and incentives for research and development; and national One Health governance. To address this, the AMA has proposed several solutions that build on work the government is already doing to encourage behavioural change, incentivise antimicrobial research and development, and deliver a unified One Health approach to tackling antimicrobial resistance.

Read this report to learn more.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain key factors contributing to the global threat of antimicrobial resistance
2. List the promises and pitfalls of Australia's response
3. List main recommendations
4. Recognise the risks to health care of antimicrobial resistance.