Antimicrobial Resistance Challenge to Sustainable Development Goals and Targets: A One-Health Perspective

Abstract

Abstract Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest challenges to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Antimicrobial resistance is primarily associated with misuse, abuse, or overuse of antimicrobials, resulting in no effect of antibiotics on microorganisms in humans, animals, and the environment in the domain of One Health. AMR directly affects Sustainable Development (SDG) Goals 1,3, and 4 related to wellbeing considered the inner component, SDG Goals 2, 6, 8, 9, and 12 the infrastructural middle component, and SDG Goal 17 the related component of cooperation and coordination. AMR indirectly affects SDG Goals 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16. This interpretation is based on the dynamic interaction of various components that leads to direct or indirect tradeoff in achieving SDG goals based on the One-Health approach. Thus, understanding this dynamic interaction among various components of One Health is important to underscore the importance of AMR challenging Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Antimicrobial resistance extends beyond misuse, abuse, or overuse in healthcare settings, encompassing inadequate access to clean water, substandard practices in human and animal sanitation and hygiene, limited availability of early diagnostic tools, and insufficient legislation addressing the issue. Notably, a widespread lack of awareness and understanding regarding the issue poses a potential threat to SDGs. Hence, efforts must encompass strategic and synchronized actions across various tiers of the systems, coupled with evidence-based policy formulation, to yield sustainable outcomes on a global scale with the transdisciplinary approach of One Heath.