Innovative Strategies and Comprehensive Insights into Combating Antimicrobial Resistance in India: A One Health Approach

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a critical global health threat, with India experiencing one of the highest burdens due to widespread misuse of antibiotics and suboptimal infection control. This comprehensive review examines the current status of AMR in India, highlighting alarming resistance rates among key pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Staphylococcus aureus. It delves into the multifaceted drivers of AMR, including over-the-counter antibiotic availability, poor infection control, agricultural practices, environmental contamination, and low public awareness. National initiatives like the National Action Plan on AMR, NARS-Net, and antimicrobial stewardship programs are evaluated for their impact on mitigating this crisis. Recent research emphasizes the One Health approach, surveillance data, novel antibiotics, and the COVID-19 impact on AMR trends. The review also discusses challenges and future directions, advocating for stronger regulatory measures, capacity building, public education, research, innovation, and international collaboration to effectively combat AMR. Understanding India's unique challenges and implementing targeted strategies are essential for addressing this escalating public health issue.