The One Health approach to combating AMR

The One Health approach to combating AMR

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines One Health as an integrated, holistic approach that promotes the health of humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems.[1]

This approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of all life forms and underscores the need to balance health outcomes across these domains. One Health is particularly vital in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global health threat.[2]

In this article, Émer Finnegan, Regulatory Executive at G&L, explores the One Health framework and its critical role in combating AMR, including international collaborations, research advancements, and strategic plans that address the global AMR crisis.

What is the One Health approach?

One Health recognizes the close links between human, animal, plant, and environmental health and promotes the importance of balancing and optimizing these interactions.

It leverages interdisciplinary collaboration across various sectors to tackle complex health challenges.

Key factors that contribute to the success of One Health include:

• Support for products and services
• Public health risk assessment
• Ensuring the availability of antimicrobials
• Fostering alternatives to antibiotics
• Promoting responsible antimicrobial use
• Strengthening international collaboration

The role of One Health in addressing AMR

AMR is often referred to as a silent pandemic, as it continues to rise unchecked, threatening the efficacy of current antimicrobial treatments.

The majority of infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic, meaning they originate from animals, and changes in ecosystems can facilitate the spread of these diseases.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), along with other EU agencies, has emphasized the need for a unified strategy to combat AMR.[3]

This collaborative effort includes shared frameworks, research, and policies to prevent the spread of resistant pathogens.[4]

The global impact of AMR

The 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Meeting on AMR further emphasizes the global threat posed by AMR.

The political declaration from this meeting stressed that AMR is one of the most urgent global health challenges, with potentially catastrophic consequences for human, animal, and environmental health.[5]

AMR could result in up to US $1 trillion in additional healthcare costs per year by 2050.

This declaration underscores the necessity for international cooperation, responsible antimicrobial use, and the promotion of alternatives, all of which are central to the One Health approach.

The EU’s One Health Action Plan to combat AMR

The EU One Health Action Plan identifies three key areas for action to address AMR effectively:[6]

Making the EU a best practice region - The EU aims to improve surveillance, data sharing, and coordination among member states to tackle AMR. This includes monitoring antimicrobial use in animals and humans, strengthening infection prevention, and supporting responsible antimicrobial use.

Boosting research, development, and innovation - Increasing investment in research is essential for developing new antibiotics, vaccines, and other therapeutic alternatives. The EU plans to fund research on antimicrobial resistance detection and control, as well as supporting collaboration among member states and international partners.

Shaping the global agenda - The EU is committed to working with global organizations like the WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to set international standards for combating AMR. This includes developing action plans for developing countries, where the burden of AMR is often greatest.

The importance of collaboration

A central tenet of the One Health approach is international collaboration. Diseases and antimicrobial resistance do not respect national borders, making global cooperation essential. The EU's national action plan for AMR 2024-2029 aligns with global frameworks like the WHO Roadmap 2023-2030, reinforcing the need for coordinated action against AMR worldwide.[7]

For example, strengthening the health systems of low- and middle-income countries, which are disproportionately affected by AMR, is a key focus. This collaborative effort is vital in creating a sustainable, resilient global health infrastructure.

The Way Forward: Ensuring a Resilient Future Against AMR

To effectively address AMR, it is critical to understand the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and environmental factors.

The One Health approach provides a comprehensive framework to tackle this complex challenge. As the EU and other international bodies continue to advance research, policy development, and collaborative efforts, the global community must remain focused on the urgency of this issue.

The European Union (EU) Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2019/6), which became effective on January 28, 2022, has ushered in significant alterations in the EU concerning the authorization, utilization, and monitoring of veterinary medicinal products.

A central focus of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 is the reduction in the use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine, aiming to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR).⁸

By promoting responsible antimicrobial use, supporting innovative research, and fostering international cooperation, we can slow the rise of AMR and safeguard the health of future generations.

Conclusion

AMR is a global threat that requires urgent and coordinated action. The One Health approach offers a unified framework for addressing AMR by recognizing the links between human, animal, and environmental health.

With international cooperation, innovative research, and policy implementation, we can mitigate the growing threat of AMR and work toward a healthier, more resilient world.

References 

[1] One Health – World Health Organization

[2] Confronting antimicrobial resistance 2024 to 2029 - GOV.UK

[3] ECDC Framework for Action on AMR

[4] Nature Microbiology: Combating AMR

[5] UNGA Political Declaration on AMR 2024

[6] The EU One Health Action Plan

[7] The EU One Health Action Plan

Émer Finnegan is a Regulatory Executive at G&L.