A One-Health Perspective of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Human, Animals and Environmental Health

Antibiotics are vital for treating infections in humans, animals, and plants, but their excessive and improper use—especially in agriculture—has accelerated the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), now recognized by WHO as one of the top ten global health threats. AMR occurs when bacteria acquire resistance genes that can spread across species and environments, undermining the effectiveness of treatments. A One Health perspective underscores the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in combating this threat. Advances such as metagenomic surveillance, improved wastewater treatment, and the use of vaccines and probiotics offer promising mitigation strategies. Global initiatives, including the WHO Global Action Plan, FAO and WOAH collaborations, and the O’Neill Report, call for coordinated international action. Integrating these scientific and policy measures within the One Health framework is essential to strengthen antibiotic stewardship, limit environmental spread, and preserve the efficacy of antimicrobials for future generations.