National Strategy Reaffirmed
India’s Renewed Strategy Against Antimicrobial Resistance: India has unveiled a strengthened strategy to contain the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through the launch of the National Action Plan on AMR 2025–29. Released in New Delhi during World AMR Awareness Week, the plan signals a renewed national commitment to preserving the effectiveness of life-saving antimicrobials. It updates the earlier framework introduced in 2017 and integrates broader national and global lessons.
Static GK fact: World AMR Awareness Week is observed every year from 18–24 November.
One Health Approach Strengthened
The updated plan adopts a deeper One Health approach linking human, animal, agricultural and environmental sectors. Over 20 ministries have been assigned coordinated roles with defined budgets and timelines. This effort aims to eliminate the implementation gaps seen in earlier years, especially around accountability, intersectoral communication and data sharing.
Static GK fact: The One Health concept was formally recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) to address interconnected health risks.
Growing Health Risks
AMR continues to threaten routine surgeries, maternal care and cancer treatment by reducing the efficacy of essential drugs. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics across hospitals, farms and food systems have accelerated the emergence of resistant pathogens. The new plan emphasises tackling these systemic drivers through stricter regulation and improved stewardship practices. It highlights the risk that by 2050, AMR could lead to millions of global deaths if unchecked.
Static GK Tip: Antibiotics were first discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, marking a major milestone in modern medicine.
Core Objectives of the Plan
NAP-AMR 2.0 outlines six major objectives covering awareness, surveillance, infection control, antimicrobial stewardship, research and governance. Strengthening laboratory networks forms a major priority, including expanding national reference labs and state-level diagnostic capacity. The plan also focuses on scaling up monitoring of antibiotic residues in food chains and developing improved infection prevention systems in both public and private facilities.
Static GK fact: India’s first National Action Plan on AMR was launched in 2017.
Research and Innovation
The plan encourages research on new diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics and alternative treatment approaches. Priority is given to innovations that can be deployed in primary healthcare settings or low-resource environments. Collaboration with global scientific bodies is expected to improve India’s contribution to AMR-related research.
Static GK Tip: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is the apex body for biomedical research in India.
Implementation and Collaboration
Each participating ministry will develop detailed implementation roadmaps for the next five years. Collaboration with private hospitals, veterinary service providers, industry groups, cooperatives, academia and international partners forms a key pillar of the new framework. Stronger governance and monitoring mechanisms aim to ensure sustained action, improved reporting and measurable progress across sectors.
Static GK fact: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare leads national AMR efforts through the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s Renewed Strategy Against Antimicrobial Resistance:
| Topic | Detail |
| National Plan Period | 2025–29 |
| Focus Sector | Human, animal, agriculture, environment |
| Key Approach | One Health |
| Lead Agency | NCDC under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare |
| First AMR Plan | Introduced in 2017 |
| Major Objective Count | Six core objectives |
| Awareness Week | 18–24 November annually |
| Research Priority | Diagnostics, vaccines, novel therapies |
| Coordination Scope | 20+ ministries |
| High-risk Areas | Routine surgeries, cancer treatment, maternal care |
