Simply put, AMR happens when micro-organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to medicines, making infections difficult or impossible to treat. The consequences are dire, with 4.71 million deaths in 2021 linked to AMR, a number projected to soar to 8.22 million by 2050, potentially making it a bigger killer than cancer. AMR also carries a heavy economic burden. According to estimates by the WHO in 2017, AMR could result in USD1 trillion additional health costs by 2050 and USD3.4 trillion GDP loss per year by 2030.
Improper use of antibiotics is a major cause behind the emergence of “superbugs”, such as the misuse and overuse of anti-microbials in humans, animals and plants. Asia is vulnerable, due to its aging population, easy access to antibiotics, limited healthcare systems, weak farming practices, poor sanitation and climate factors. A 2024 Lancet study found that AMR-related deaths among people over 70 in Asia rose by more than 80% from 1990 to 2021. In response, ASEAN has adopted regional frameworks and action plans under the “One Health” approach, integrating human, animal and environmental health. However, access to antibiotics remains high in many areas. Europe is similarly struggling to curb AMR. A 2023 European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control report showed that no EU country has made significant progress in reducing antibiotic use since 2019. Instead, 14 member states reported increased usage. To tackle the crisis, the EU is implementing a comprehensive One Health Strategy, with ambitious 2030 targets, including a 20% reduction in human antibiotic use.
Given its cross-sectoral and cross-border nature, global collaboration against AMR is imperative. The good news is that global leaders are taking action. At the 79th UN General Assembly (2024), countries adopted a political declaration which, inter alia, committed significant funding for national action plans. The Davos Compact on AMR, launched at the 2025 World Economic Forum, aims to mobilise coordinated public-private efforts to save over 100 million lives by 2050.
At ASEF, through the Asia-Europe Foundation Public Health Network (ASEF PHN), we are working in support of the WHO’s efforts to raise awareness of AMR in Asia and Europe, and addressing it using a health system approach and One Health. We are also preparing a podcast on the ASEM InfoBoard website on “Understanding the AMR Threat: Why It Matters for Asia & Europe.” Stay tuned for our podcast in mid-June!
Sources:
Innovation News Network, (5 May 2025), How is the EU tackling antimicrobial resistance?
Sihombing, B., Rajesh Bhatia, R. et al (November 2023) Response to antimicrobial resistance in South-East Asia Region. The Lancet.
Aslam, B. Wang, W. et al (2018) Antibiotic resistance: a rundown of a global crisis. National Library of Medicines.
Geneva Environment Network (15 April 2025) Antimicrobial Resistance and the Environment. Geneva Environment Network.
UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on antimicrobial resistance 2024
Spreading the word about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Asia is so important since this region faces the highest rates of resistant infections in key bacterial pathogens. Raising awareness can help drive action and save lives
Thank you, Asano. You’re absolutely right, this is a critical issue in Asia and that’s why we keen to share more about this to help people have a better understanding of AMR.
Love seeing ASEM stepping up to spread the word about Antimicrobial Resistance! It’s so important we all get how big of a deal this is, and their work to educate and inspire change is seriously making a difference.
Thank you for your comment. ASEF has been addressing AMR through our Public Health Network (PHN) unit to encourage cooperation among experts. Also glad to let you know that we have published a podcast on AMR in June aimed at reaching a broader audience.
It’s great to see this group working hard to raise awareness about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Asia. AMR is a big problem, and sharing more information helps everyone understand why it matters.
Thank you, Fleur. Sharing knowledge is important to increase understanding of AMR. Indeed, it is a big problem and one that is happening now, and not a future threat.