National Initiative Highlights Media’s Vital Role in Fighting 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, aiming to empower journalists with the tools and knowledge to report on the growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Organized by ReAct Asia Pacific, the workshop brought together health experts, civil society leaders, and media professionals to deepen understanding and encourage impactful storytelling on AMR.
AMR: A Global Health Time Bomb
Antimicrobial Resistance is increasingly being recognized as one of the most urgent global health challenges of our era. In 2021 alone, AMR contributed to an estimated 4.71 million deaths globally — including 1.14 million deaths directly caused by drug-resistant bacterial infections. If current trends continue, projections suggest that AMR could lead to as many as 39 million deaths by 2050—equivalent to one death every 20 seconds.
Workshop Focus: Science, Solutions, and the One Health Approach
The workshop provided participating journalists with scientific insights, real-life stories, and practical reporting tools using the One Health framework, which links human, animal, and environmental health.
Dr. S. S. Lal, Director of ReAct Asia Pacific, opened the session by underlining the growing danger of AMR and the pivotal role of the media in raising awareness and holding stakeholders accountable.
Lived Experiences Spotlight Human Impact of AMR
A powerful session led by Dr. Narinder Saini, Chairman of the AMR Standing Committee of the Indian Medical Association, brought emotional depth to the discussion. Bhakti Chauhan (AMR Taskforce) and Pooja Mishra (HIV advocate) shared their personal journeys, highlighting how AMR disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Dr. Saini reiterated the urgent need to “Stop Infection, Fight AMR” and called on the media to “act now, act together.”
Experts Emphasize Interconnected Health Solutions
The One Health panel, chaired by Dr. Sam Prasad of AHF Indiacares, featured experts from various sectors:
- 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
Together, they stressed the need for integrated approaches that tackle AMR across human, animal, and environmental domains.
Strengthening Health Systems to Prevent Resistance
Another key session focused on bolstering diagnostics and infection prevention. Dr. Sarabjit Singh Chadha (FIND) and Dr. Tikesh Bisen (PATH) explained how early and accurate diagnosis, along with robust infection control, are critical for stopping the spread of resistant infections.
Media Tools and Trends: Enhancing Science Journalism
Dr. Salman Khan from ReAct Africa offered guidance on identifying reliable scientific sources. He was followed by Shobha Shukla of the Global AMR Media Alliance, who discussed current media trends and the challenges Indian journalists face in covering AMR effectively.
Launch of AMR Media Alliance India Chapter
A significant milestone of the day was the official launch of the India Chapter of the AMR Media Alliance, led by Bobby Ramakant, who also facilitated a closing group discussion. The workshop concluded with a strong call to action: The media must lead the charge in spreading awareness and inspiring solutions to the AMR crisis.
Key Community Messages on AMR
- Use antibiotics responsibly: They save lives — but only when used correctly. Misuse breeds resistance.
- Don’t use antibiotics for viral infections: Common colds, flu, and viral fevers don’t require them.
- Follow prescriptions strictly: Never self-medicate, skip doses, or stop treatment midway.
- Get tested first: Diagnostics ensure you take the right drug for the right infection.
- Prevention is better than cure: Hygiene, clean water, sanitation, and vaccinations reduce infection risks.
- AMR is a shared problem: It affects everyone — not just hospital patients.
- Be an informed patient: Ask your doctor if antibiotics are truly necessary.
- Preserve antibiotics for the future: Protect these critical medicines for the generations to come.
