It addresses the antibiotic discharge from manufacturing which is recognised as a significant driver of the growing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) crisis.
AMR caused by pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Wastewater generated from antibiotic manufacturing, containing antibiotic residue, pollutes the water bodies like rivers and also seeps into the land.
- Currently, antibiotic pollution from manufacturing is largely unregulated and quality assurance criteria typically do not address environmental emissions.
About AMR
- AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. (As per WHO)
- It is a natural process that happens over time through genetic changes in pathogens.
- Its emergence and spread is accelerated by human activity, mainly the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials.
- The creation of “superbugs” affects healthcare everywhere, but has especially poor outcomes in patients suffering from multiple diseases.
Concerns related to AMR
- Human and animal health: WHO lists AMR among the top 10 threats for global health.
- In 2019, 1.27 million deaths were directly attributed to drug-resistant infections globally.
- Environment: AMR has a potential to negatively impact biodiversity through pollution and rise of zoonotic diseases.
- Food and nutrition security: AMR threatens agriculture and animal husbandry.
- Economic development and social equity: productivity losses, increased healthcare costs and rise in poverty.
Initiatives to tackle AMR
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