National Symposium Highlights AMR Threats and Solutions

The National Institute of Health (NIH), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, organized a national symposium on sustainable antimicrobial resistance (AMR) containment in Islamabad to mark World AMR Awareness Week.

The event brought together health experts, policymakers, researchers, and international partners to discuss strategies for tackling the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in Pakistan. AMR, driven by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, poses a serious risk to public health, food security, and economic stability.

Speakers emphasized the importance of adopting a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health to address AMR comprehensively. They highlighted the need for stronger surveillance systems, improved infection prevention, and responsible antibiotic use across healthcare and agriculture.

Key themes of the symposium included:

  • Strengthening laboratory capacity for AMR detection and monitoring.
  • Promoting antimicrobial stewardship programs in hospitals and clinics.
  • Raising public awareness about the dangers of self-medication and over-prescription.
  • Encouraging collaboration between government, academia, and private sector to develop sustainable solutions.

Officials noted that Pakistan has already taken steps to align with global AMR containment strategies, including the development of a National Action Plan on AMR. However, they stressed that continued investment, training, and public engagement are essential to ensure long-term success.

The symposium concluded with a call to action for multi-sectoral cooperation, urging stakeholders to work together to safeguard the effectiveness of antibiotics and protect future generations from drug-resistant infections.