Working groups are the rythme of the AMR course
This new edition brought together 44 international participants selected for their commitment to the fight against AMR. Researchers, physicians, microbiologists and AMR focal points from their respective ministries of health were accompanied for a week by 35 recognized experts in the field of antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic access, in plenary sessions, group work and debates.
In line with the objectives of the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (WHO GAP AMR), the course aims to strengthen the critical decision-making skills of experts in human, animal and environmental health. As such, the five days of the program are inspired by the five WHO GAP AMR objectives:
- The role of antibiotics and current challenges: improving awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance.
- Reinforce monitoring and surveillance
- Multi-sectoral action to combat AMR
- Optimizing the use of antimicrobial drugs in human and animal health
- Social science, legislation and economic arguments in favor of sustainable global investment to combat AMR.
“AMR is an extremely complex global problem. No one country can control it alone, which is why we need global action.
Held every year at the Les Pensières Conference Center, the AMR Course is one of five intensive courses organized by the Mérieux Foundation, alongside ADVAC (advanced vaccinology course), ACDx (advanced diagnostics course), Afro-ACDx (advanced diagnostics course for French-speaking Africa), and EpiCourse (advanced epidemiology course for emergency situations).
The course is directed and developed by the Mérieux Foundation with essential input from experts representing institutions such as Université Paris Cité, WHO, FAO, WAOH, Oxford University, Utrecht University, Africa CDC, among others.
The Mérieux Foundation, with its extensive experience in knowledge sharing, is involved in the design of the course, from programming alongside the scientific committee to coordinating the event on the day.
The burden of RAM
It is estimated that bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths worldwide in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths (Source: WHO). It jeopardizes many of the achievements of modern medicine. It makes infections more difficult to treat and puts other medical procedures and treatments at risk.
AMR affects countries of all regions and income levels. Its drivers and consequences are exacerbated by poverty and inequality, and low- and middle-income countries are the hardest hit.
By bringing together players from resource-limited countries involved in the fight against AMR on a national and international scale, the AMR – One Health Challenge course contributes to the fight against this public health threat, through the dissemination of knowledge and the creation of synergies without geographical limits.