The course brought together 48 international participants from 22 countries, accompanied by over 30 expert speakers recognized for their work on antimicrobial resistance and access to antibiotics.
Targeting researchers, doctors, microbiologists, and AMR contacts within health ministries, the course aims to strengthen the critical decision-making of these experts in human, animal, and environmental health.
Designed to defend the value of the One Health approach in fighting AMR, one of the main threats to global health, the course is structured around the five goals of the WHO Global Action Plan on AMR (GAP-AMR), with one day dedicated to each:
- Awareness and understanding of the mechanisms of AMR,
- Strengthening monitoring and surveillance,
- Multisector interventions to combat AMR,
- Optimizing the proper use of antimicrobial drugs,
- Social sciences, regulation, and economic arguments for sustainable investment.
Each day of the course combined plenary sessions and group work, enabling participants to come together to construct concrete national action plans to address AMR. The week also provided various opportunities for feedback, with poster sessions offering participants the chance to present their work.
Participants expressed the impact of the AMR course on their understanding and ability to act. One described “an incredible, interesting, and challenging experience,” highlighting the opportunity “to create connections and foster the integration of One Health.” Another declared: “Before coming, working to sustain the fight against AMR in my situation seemed impossible.Today, I feel able to apply practical approaches to strengthen this sustainability.”
The AMR course is one of five intensive courses offered by the Mérieux Foundation. It takes place every year at the Les Pensières Center for Global Health, with support from institutional partners. It is led and developed by the Mérieux Foundation with contributions from experts at international organizations, with an emphasis on sharing, learning, and networking.
Based on its experience in sharing knowledge, the Mérieux Foundation supports the design of the course, works on the program alongside the scientific committee, and coordinates the event when the day comes.
AMR, one of the main threats to global health
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 introduces risks into other medical procedures and treatments.
AMR affects countries in all regions, at all income levels. Its drivers and consequences are exacerbated by poverty and inequality, and low- and middle-income countries are the most affected. Designed for stakeholders from countries with limited resources committed to the fight against AMR at national and international level, the AMR: A One Health Challenge course contributes to the fight against this public health threat by disseminating knowledge and creating synergies with no geographical limits.
