One health initiative to mitigate the challenge of antimicrobial resistance in the perspectives of developing countries

Despite its global nature, antimicrobial resistance disproportionately affects developing countries due to scant diagnostic services, insufficient prescription procedures, inadequate dissemination of information to patients, unauthorized sale of antimicrobials, use of substandard or falsified drugs, poor drug regulatory mechanisms, non-human use of antimicrobials, lack of awareness, expertise, and funds, and also lack of political will to implement the necessary measurements. Furthermore, the disposal of human and animal wastes close to human residences, and lack of access to clean water contribute to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and antimicrobial-resistant genes. Antimicrobial resistance is predicted to reduce gross domestic product by 1.1–3.8% by 2050. These include a $60-$100 trillion loss resulting in increased morbidity and mortality in developing countries. The world’s highest mortality rate from antimicrobial resistance infection is observed in Africa. To alleviate such life-threatening challenge, One Health strategies like effective communication, education, training, surveillance, detection and joint effort across disciplines and sectors are urgently needed. Global and national preparedness to identify and prioritize antimicrobial resistance-relevant pollutants, surveillance and monitoring of antimicrobials is important.