China is implementing a multi-sectoral initiative that aims to effectively address the issue of antimicrobial resistance.

The State-level plan will include the participation of 14 key ministries and agencies, including health, agriculture, food and drug, and environmental protection, according to the China Daily.

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It is worth noting that the nation's health officials are already implementing measures that are designed to treat antimicrobial resistance, such as stricter control of antibiotic use at medical facilities.

But according to Xiao Yonghong, a professor at the Institute of Clinical Pharmacology at Peking University, these efforts are still not enough considering the seriousness of the problem.

It's a long overdue initiative and demonstrates the government's recognition of the challenge and the resolution to change systematically," he said of China efforts to curb antimicrobial resistance.

The World Health Organization defines antimicrobial resistance as "resistance of a microorganism to an anti-microbial drug that was originally effective for treatment of infections caused by it."

A report titled "Global Review on AMR" released in the UK, estimates that by 2050, antimicrobial resistance, including antibiotic resistance, could result in 1 million premature deaths in China annually.

Among the study's recommendations was a call for members of the international community to work hand in hand to find more viable solutions to antimicrobial resistance. 

In line with this proposal, Xiao bared that the upcoming G20 Leaders Summit to be held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, will feature a session on fighting antimicrobial resistance through global cooperation.

Under the State-level plan, the Chinese government will strengthen cooperation and enhance exchanges with its international partners to control the spread of drug-resistant bacteria in the next five years.

Martin Taylor, the World Health Organization's (WHO) coordinator for health systems and security at the China office, said the WHO lauds China's move to formulate a multisectoral action plan that is designed to fight antimicrobial resistance.

He Taylor noted that the plan highlights China's global leadership in tackling major health issues such antimicrobial resistance which has not become a major health concern across the globe.  

Tagschina, Antimicrobial Resistance China, The Review on Antimicrobial Resistance