Discussion Highlights
1.Opportunities for public/private partnership
CDC leaders expressed interest in increased private sector engagement in combating AMR, noting the value of collaboration with countries to help develop National Action Plans and establish metrics for lab systems. Companies involved in lab strengthening noted the lack of data sharing among labs as a barrier to these efforts. CDC acknowledged this problem and responded that they are working with global public health partners to facilitate data sharing.
Another area ripe for private sector involvement is innovation, especially around pathogen reduction.
2. The challenge of setting global targets
Setting appropriate, measurable targets for reducing morbidity and mortality due to AMR is challenging given the vast differences in healthcare systems around the world. While a welcome change in the 2024 Political Declaration on AMR (compared to the 2016 version) is the inclusion of targets for reducing mortality and improving infection prevention and control, there are less ambitious targets in other areas, such as regulatory systems for appropriate use of antimicrobials in humans and animals.
Participants highlighted the complexity in defining what constitutes an “appropriate use” target across diverse contexts, given wide variation in health systems and prescribing practices. The group agreed on the need for stewardship models tailored to local settings, with targets that are both meaningful and realistic to achieve.