“Let Media Break the Silence” Workshop Calls for United Action Against the Growing AMR Crisis

New Delhi | A national media workshop titled “AMR: The Silent Pandemic – Let Media Break the Silence” was held today at the Press Club of India, New Delhi. Organized by ReAct Asia Pacific, the event brought together journalists, healthcare professionals, and civil society representatives to spotlight the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and emphasize the media’s pivotal role in combating it.

AMR: A Growing Global Health Emergency

AMR poses one of the most critical health challenges of our time. In 2021 alone, 4.71 million deaths worldwide were linked to bacterial AMR, including 1.14 million directly caused by it. Forecasts suggest that if left unchecked, bacterial AMR could lead to 39 million deaths by 2050—equivalent to three lives lost every minute.

Empowering Media with Knowledge and Tools

The workshop was designed to empower journalists with scientific insights, cross-sectoral knowledge, and practical strategies for reporting on AMR through the One Health lens — which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

In his opening remarks, Dr. S.S. Lal, Director of ReAct Asia Pacific, stressed the urgent need to address AMR and highlighted the media’s influence in shaping public understanding and accountability.

Real-Life Stories: The Human Toll of AMR

A poignant session on personal experiences, moderated by Dr. Narinder Saini, Chair of the AMR Standing Committee at the Indian Medical Association, brought emotional depth to the conversation. Bhakti Chauhan from the AMR Taskforce and Pooja Mishra, an HIV advocate, shared personal encounters with drug resistance, highlighting the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. Dr. Saini reiterated the urgent call to “Stop Infection, Fight AMR.”

One Health Approach: Experts Call for Cross-Sector Collaboration

A panel chaired by Dr. Sam Prasad (AHF Indiacares) delved into the One Health approach. Panelists included:

• Dr. Sangeeta Sharma (Delhi Society for Promotion of Rational Use of Drugs)
• Dr. Chanchal Bhattacharya (Heifer International)
• Rajeshwari Sinha (Centre for Science and Environment)
• Satish Sinha (Toxics Link)

They emphasized the need for integrated strategies that consider the health of people, animals, and ecosystems in AMR mitigation efforts.

Strengthening Health Systems and Diagnostics

A dedicated session on strengthening health systems featured experts Dr. Sarabjit Singh Chadha (FIND) and Dr. Tikesh Bisen (PATH). They highlighted the importance of accurate diagnostics, infection prevention, and control mechanisms in reducing antibiotic misuse and combating AMR effectively.

Media Guidance and Challenges in Reporting AMR

Dr. Salman Khan (ReAct Africa) trained participants on identifying reliable scientific sources for accurate reporting. This was followed by Shobha Shukla (Global AMR Media Alliance), who discussed trends, barriers, and the complexities of reporting on AMR in the Indian context.

Launch of AMR Media Alliance – India Chapter

A major highlight of the workshop was the launch of the India Chapter of the AMR Media Alliance, led by Bobby Ramakant, who also facilitated the final group discussion. The event concluded with a strong call for action, placing the media at the forefront of efforts to amplify AMR awareness and solutions.

Key Takeaways for the Public and Media:

• Use antibiotics responsibly – misuse and overuse fuel resistance.
• Not all illnesses require antibiotics – viral infections like colds and flu don’t respond to them.
• Always follow prescriptions carefully – don’t skip doses or self-medicate.
• Get tested before treatment – diagnostics guide effective antibiotic use.
• Hygiene is critical – handwashing, clean water, and sanitation help prevent infections.
• AMR affects everyone – not just hospital patients, but also communities and the environment.
• Ask questions – patients have the right to know if an antibiotic is necessary.
• Protect antibiotics – they are a shared global resource and must be preserved for future generations.