New Delhi, 9 Sept: Health Ministers from 11 South-East Asian countries adopted the Jaipur Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance, committing to preserve the efficacy of antibiotics through rational use and regulation.

The Health Ministers met at Jaipur recently to review key health issues in WHO’s South-East Asia Region and provide policy direction for future action. They also focused on the prevention and control of non communicable diseases.

Warning that "The world is on the brink of losing its miracle cures" WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan said, "This is the stark reality the world faces. We have taken antibiotics and other antimicrobials for granted. And we have failed to handle these precious, yet fragile medicines with appropriate care."

By adopting the Jaipur Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance, the Health Ministers called for urgent measures to control further development of antimicrobial resistance. "More needs to be done to control resistance to antibiotics and to ensure the rational use of antibiotics in order not to allow development of ‘superbugs’ in the region," said Dr Samlee.

The Declaration underscores concern at the spread of antimicrobial resistance which is negating achievements made in protecting human life and health. It recognized that such resistance could become a critical impediment in global efforts towards containing HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other diseases.

Source: Pharmabiz