Targeted Action and Financing the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance in Asia 2025

Impact of climate change on WASH WASH infrastructure is vulnerable to damage from climate-driven hazards. Floods can compromise sewage systems, in turn contaminating freshwater used both for drinking and irrigation. Droughts will necessitate rationing of water, affecting its quality and quantity. These factors will likely lead to more frequent outbreaks of diseases such as cholera.85 Commitment to change Despite these challenges, Asia continues to demonstrate strong political commitment to combating AMR. Global and regional platforms Collaboration among governments, international organizations and local communities is essential for sustainable solutions that protect animal and human health.86 As mentioned earlier, the QJS consolidates cooperation on AMR between three UN agencies and WOAH at a global level. At a regional level, the Jaipur Declaration for Prevention and Control of Antimicrobial Resistance was adopted by health ministers from 11 countries in the WHO’s South-East Asia Region in 2011.87 The declaration recognized AMR as a critical public health issue requiring urgent attention and called for a comprehensive approach to combatting AMR, which included strengthening surveillance systems, improving healthcare facilities and enhancing public awareness. In addition, the ASEAN Strategic Framework (2019-2030) sealed the commitment of regional governments and stakeholders to adopt a One Health approach to combatting AMR.88 Country-specific plans Following the global and regional frameworks, countries across the region have developed national action plans aligned with 2015’s Global Action Plan on AMR.89 China, Japan and South Korea have launched national action plans outlining One Health approaches to combatting AMR. South-East Asian countries have each developed their own national action plans for AMR. In addition, surveillance networks for AMR in humans, livestock and companion animals have been set up to monitor local trends of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. For example, the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has led an initiative to expand the volume of historical data for AMR, antimicrobial consumption and use across 12 countries in South and South-East Asia.90 Gaps in implementing national action plans These efforts demonstrate a growing commitment to combating AMR through a One Health approach, involving collaboration across human, animal, food and environmental sectors. While almost all countries in the region have human AMR surveillance systems, laboratory networks and infection prevention programmes, none has established early warning systems. Most countries in Asia regulate antimicrobial sales and oversee their use; however, the enforcement and integration of these measures remain inconsistent, highlighting the need for stronger and more inclusive implementation.91 Lack of early warning systems, regulation of antimicrobial sales and enforcement of proper antimicrobial use continue to be key gaps in the national action plans of countries in Asia. Targeted Action and Financing the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance in Asia 18