The National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization announce the first national pathogen list to combat antimicrobial resistance in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.   

Islamabad, (TW News) – On the occasion of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, Pakistan’s National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the first National Priority Pathogen list for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region. The objective: to combat the global threat of antimicrobial-resistant infections, which are causing every year over 200,000 directly attributable and associated deaths in Pakistan. This crisis has been accelerated by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human health, agriculture, and veterinary practices.

The list was announced during an Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Walk co-organized by NIH and WHO to call for individual and collective action to tackle a global threat that, without urgent measures, could cause 63,000 directly attributable deaths and 262,000 associated deaths in Pakistan by 2050.

“Combating antimicrobial resistance requires a comprehensive One Health approach that addresses the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. Factors driving resistance in Pakistan include irrational prescribing practices, over-the-counter sales of antibiotics, poor infection prevention and control practices, and the misuse of antimicrobials in agriculture and livestock,” said NIH Chief Executive Officer, Dr Muhammad Salman.

Globally, antimicrobial resistance could lead to 10 million deaths annually and a cumulative loss of $100 trillion globally by 2050 if urgent measures are not taken.

Pakistan’s National Priority Pathogen List is among the first 8 pathogen lists globally and is a milestone achievement to address a global public threat impacting health systems, food security, the environment and economies.

The World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) 2025 theme “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future” calls on everyone – policymakers, health workers, farmers, community leaders, the media and the general public – to step up and take action.

“Antimicrobial resistance is not a distant problem. It is happening now. As we speak, every 5 minutes, 2 people die due to antimicrobial resistance or associated reasons in Pakistan. These deaths are preventable,” said WHO Representative in Pakistan, Dr Luo Dapeng. “Today, talented children explained to us through their art why our daily actions can make a difference in protecting our present and their future. Let us not fail them”.

Students encourage responsible use of antibiotics through art

As part of the launch of the World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, WHO and the NIH handed over awards to winners of a student poster competition aimed at raising awareness about the importance of avoiding the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. In their own words and through their designs, these talented children explained why our daily actions can make a difference in protecting our present and their future.