Almost a century ago, the discovery of antimicrobials revolutionized medicine, transforming once-fatal infections such as pneumonia, sepsis, and tuberculosis into treatable conditions and making surgeries safer. These breakthroughs have saved millions of lives. However, misuse and overuse of antimicrobials have led to the rapid emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Today, one in six bacterial infections resists standard antibiotics, making common infections harder to treat and increasing the risks of disease spread, severe illness, and death.
Health workers in countries like Tonga witness the human cost of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) firsthand. Patients, including children with sepsis, are increasingly presenting with infections that no longer respond to available medicines, underscoring the urgency of protecting these precious medical tools. AMR is no longer a distant threat—it is a present and growing global health crisis.
The scale of AMR is alarming. In the Western Pacific Region alone, an estimated 5.2 million people could die from drug-resistant infections between 2020 and 2030. Globally, nearly five million deaths in 2019 were associated with bacterial AMR, with 1.3 million directly attributed to drug-resistant infections. In response, the 2024 United Nations General Assembly adopted a political declaration committing to a 10% reduction in deaths from drug-resistant infections by 2030. Regional initiatives, such as Japan-led efforts in the Asia-Pacific and WHO’s Western Pacific vision, emphasize a One Health approach that links human, animal, and environmental health.
AMR is closely intertwined with broader environmental challenges. Climate change, pollution, and extreme weather events disrupt ecosystems and accelerate the spread of resistant pathogens through water, soil, and food systems. Addressing AMR requires resilient health systems that integrate primary care, leverage technology and innovation, and translate global commitments into coordinated, measurable actions.
Challenges in the Western Pacific include limited access to diagnostics and antibiotics in rural clinics, and insufficient workforce capacity in hospitals to implement antimicrobial stewardship effectively. To address this, WHO has prioritized AMR surveillance and data-sharing through the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS-AMR), enabling data-driven interventions. Thirteen member states in the region are actively sharing data, while more are developing their capacities, creating a comprehensive understanding of regional AMR trends. Additionally, national progress is monitored through TrACSS, a self-assessment survey completed by 26 of 28 member states in 2025.
World AMR Awareness Week 2025, themed “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,” highlights the urgent need for action. Tackling AMR requires coordinated efforts at all levels: individuals taking antibiotics responsibly, clinicians prescribing wisely, hospitals investing in infection prevention and diagnostics, and policymakers embedding AMR programs into national health agendas. Collective action can protect lives, reduce healthcare costs, and secure the benefits of modern medicine for future generations.
WHO-led initiatives in the region demonstrate the power of leadership, evidence, and community engagement in combating AMR. Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship, sharing data, and supporting country-level action are critical steps. Every community, hospital, and household has a role to play in reversing the trends of AMR, protecting public health, and safeguarding the medical advances achieved over the last century. Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, emphasizes that only through sustained commitment and solidarity can we secure a healthier, safer future.
