ICN contributes to World Health Professions Alliance webinar on Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance in a Changing World

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has contributed to an online seminar during World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness week, highlighting AMR as a major threat to global health security that could derail efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. AMR is a critical global health challenge that jeopardizes the effectiveness of the medicines we depend on to treat infections. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics are enabling bacteria to develop resistance, leading to infections that are increasingly difficult—and sometimes impossible—to treat.

At the United Nations General Assembly high-level meeting on AMR, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus remarked: “AMR could unwind 100 years of medical progress, making infections that are easily treatable today a death sentence. No country is immune to this threat, but low- and middle-income countries bear the greatest burden.”

Speakers at the “Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance in a Changing World” event discussed how to improve public health messages on the topic and promote better antimicrobial stewardship among professionals and the general public. Everyone has a part to play in combating AMR and nurses take a leading role in educating the public on best practices such as using antibiotics responsibly, only taking them when prescribed by a healthcare professional and following treatment regimens as directed; practicing good hygiene, such as regular handwashing; and staying up to date with vaccinations. These are essential steps for every individual to protect themselves and others.

Dr Enrique Castro-Sanchez, Senior Lecturer in Global Challenges at Brunel University, UK, is one of ICN’s recognized global nurse experts.

Speaking on behalf of ICN, Dr Castro-Sanchez said it was also important for nurses to take their expertise from the clinical setting and use it to shape health and social policies.

Dr Castro-Sanchez said: “We must remember, as care professionals, that we don't just have clinical responsibility: we have got much wider responsibility to the determinants of global health and equities.”

He said effectively tackling AMR change would only come about if nurses began to act in the political sphere: “We're not going to resolve health inequalities in the consultation room. We need to think more like political operators. That doesn't mean getting into politics — which is an option — but we are powerful because there are millions of health workers.”

Dr Castro-Sanchez said health inequalities can be caused by AMR and vice versa, and that such inequalities will only be resolved if other aspects of policy, outside of health care, such as housing, education and transport, are addressed, and that is where nurses could have a major impact.

He said that in the current political climate, there is no guarantee that being an expert would help someone gain access to high-level politicians.

“Sometimes our job as advisers and experts to ministers, prime ministers and presidents can be a little bit more difficult. So that's another skill we need to practice — sharpening up how to convince and influence decision makers.”

ICN’s AMR Position Statement lays out actionable steps for nurses and nursing associations to take, calling on them to:

• Promote awareness of AMR, its implications, and the measures we can take to prevent it in their work and communities.

• Urge leaders to strengthen AMR response and policy, including a ‘One Health’ approach that eliminates unnecessary use of antimicrobial agents in food-animal production, plant agriculture, and industry, as well as national surveillance systems.

• Advocate for improved vaccination rates and access to essential antimicrobials and vaccines for populations with inadequate supply.

The Position Statement underscores the critical role of nurse leadership in reducing AMR, emphasizing the need to include nurses and nursing organizations in the development of all policies and plans for AMR prevention.

Howard Catton, ICN’s CEO, added: “Antimicrobial resistance is not a distant threat; it is a challenge we face right here, right now. But equally present are the solutions within our grasp. Nurses, as the largest group of health professionals and the backbone of healthcare systems, are uniquely positioned to lead the fight against AMR. This moment calls for bold action, deep collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to preserving the life-saving medicines that safeguard our health and future.”

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2024 runs from 18-24 November. #WAAW2024

The webinar was hosted by FIP Digital Events.

Watch the webinar recording here!