To prevent the emergence, transmission, and spread of superbugs and other instances of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), it is crucial to reduce pollution produced by the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and healthcare sectors. This was the main takeaway from a UN Environment Programme (UNEP) research study on the environmental impacts of AMR. The report issued on Tuesday revealed that AMR already has a significant negative impact on both the economy and the health of people, animals, and plants.

The report, titled "Bracing for Superbugs: Strengthening Environmental Action in the One Health Response to Antimicrobial Resistance," was released during the sixth meeting of the Global Leaders Group on AMR.

The Prime Minister, Mrs. Mia Amor Mottley, Chair of the One Health Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance, stated that the environmental crisis is a matter of human rights and geopolitics. She added that the antimicrobial resistance report published by UNEP is yet another example of inequity. Mr. Inger Andersen, UNEP′s executive director, warned that the right to a healthy and clean environment is threatened by pollution of the air, land, and waterways. The same factors that contribute to environmental deterioration are making the antibiotic resistance issue worse.

Antimicrobials used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals, and plants may no longer be effective as a result of the growth and spread of AMR, making even minor diseases difficult to treat with current medical technology. By 2050, AMR is predicted to result in 10 million more direct fatalities each year. By 2030, the economic toll of AMR is anticipated to cause a GDP decline of at least $3.4 trillion every year, putting 24 million additional people in extreme poverty. All of these factors influence the growth and spread of AMR. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/curtailing-pollution-must-to-reduce-superbugs-un-report/97726942 )