DOH, DA and UN Agencies call for united fight against Antimicrobial resistance

The Philippine Government and UN agencies have come together to jointly raise awareness on the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and encourage all sectors to work together in the growing global movement to address this problem. The call was raised during the 2nd Philippine AMR Summit, a collaboration between the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms change after exposure to antimicrobial drugs such as antibiotics. It is a serious global health concern as it compromises the ability to treat infectious diseases, as well as undermines many other advances in medicine in both human and animal health. Both the causes and consequences of this problem cut across several disciplines – not just health – affecting health security, trade and economy, and the environment.

A series of dialogues and symposia during the summit are aimed to sound the alarm louder on AMR while synthesizing inputs from various sectors on how to properly address it. The causes and consequences of this problem cut across several disciplines – not just health – affecting health security, trade and economy, and the environment. Recognizing the gravity of the risk posed by AMR, the WHO maintains that action across all government sectors and society is required to mitigate this hazard.

Source: Department of Health, Republic of the Philippines