Act of the World Parliament on the Global Framework for Combating Antimicrobial Resistance

Act of the World Parliament on the Global Framework for Combating Antimicrobial Resistance

Preamble

RECOGNISING the escalating global threat to public health, animal health, and environmental integrity posed by Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), which undermines the effectiveness of essential medicines and jeopardises the achievements of modern medicine;

ACKNOWLEDGING the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, necessitating a comprehensive 'One Health' approach to address AMR effectively;

UNDERSCORING the urgent need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral, and sustained international response to mitigate the emergence, spread, and impact of AMR;

AFFIRMING the commitment to ensuring equitable access to effective, safe, and quality-assured antimicrobials, diagnostics, and vaccines, whilst preserving their efficacy for future generations;

GUIDED by the principles of solidarity, equity, shared responsibility, and evidence-based decision-making;

THE WORLD PARLIAMENT ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1: Objectives

1. To establish a comprehensive global framework for concerted action to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) across human, animal, and environmental sectors.
2. To reduce the incidence and impact of AMR worldwide through prevention, surveillance, research, and responsible use of antimicrobials.
3. To ensure the continued availability and efficacy of effective antimicrobials, diagnostics, and vaccines for all populations.
4. To foster international cooperation and resource mobilisation for sustainable AMR response efforts.

Article 2: Definitions

For the purposes of this Act:

1. "Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)" refers to the ability of a microorganism (such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites) to stop an antimicrobial (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics) from working against it. As a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist, and may spread to others.
2. "Antimicrobials" refers to any substance of natural, semi-synthetic, or synthetic origin that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms at concentrations safe for the host.
3. "One Health Approach" refers to a collaborative, multi-sectoral, and trans-disciplinary approach with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes by recognising the intrinsic interconnectedness between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
4. "Surveillance" refers to the systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of data on AMR for public health action.
5. "Prudent Use" refers to the responsible and rational use of antimicrobials to preserve their efficacy, including prescribing only when necessary, using the correct dosage, duration, and spectrum, and ensuring adherence to treatment.

Article 3: Guiding Principles

Actions undertaken within this Framework shall be guided by the following principles:

1. One Health Approach: All interventions shall explicitly recognise and address the interdependencies between human, animal, and environmental health.
2. Equity and Solidarity: Efforts shall aim to reduce disparities in AMR burden and access to effective interventions, promoting global solidarity and support for countries with limited resources.
3. Evidence-Based Decision Making: Policies and interventions shall be informed by the best available scientific evidence and data.
4. Transparency and Accountability: All stakeholders shall operate with transparency and be accountable for their commitments and actions in combating AMR.
5. Precautionary Principle: Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation and protect human and animal health.

Article 4: Pillars of Action

Section 1: Enhanced Surveillance and Monitoring

1. Global AMR Surveillance System: A robust, interoperable global system for AMR surveillance shall be established and maintained, integrating data from human, animal, food, and environmental sources.
2. Standardised Data Collection: Member States shall implement standardised methodologies for data collection, analysis, and reporting on AMR trends, antimicrobial consumption, and resistance determinants, in accordance with internationally agreed norms.
3. Early Warning Systems: Mechanisms for early detection and rapid response to novel resistance mechanisms and outbreaks shall be developed and strengthened.

Section 2: Research, Development, and Innovation

1. Incentivising R&D: Member States, in collaboration with international organisations and the private sector, shall incentivise and facilitate research and development (R&D) of new antimicrobials, diagnostics, vaccines, and alternative therapies.
2. Open Science and Access: Principles of open science shall be promoted, and mechanisms to ensure equitable and affordable access to new innovations, particularly for low- and middle-income countries, shall be explored and implemented.
3. Global AMR R&D Fund: A dedicated global fund for AMR R&D shall be established to provide sustainable financing for priority research areas.

Section 3: Prevention and Control of Infections

1. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC): Member States shall develop and implement comprehensive national IPC programmes in healthcare facilities, agricultural settings, and communities, adhering to international best practices.
2. Hygiene and Sanitation: Investments in improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure and practices shall be prioritised to reduce infection transmission.
3. Vaccination Strategies: The development and equitable deployment of vaccines to prevent infectious diseases in humans and animals shall be supported as a key strategy to reduce antimicrobial demand.

Section 4: Optimized Use of Antimicrobials

1. Antimicrobial Stewardship: Member States shall implement national antimicrobial stewardship programmes across human and animal health sectors to promote prudent and responsible use of antimicrobials.
2. Regulation and Oversight: Robust regulatory frameworks shall be established or strengthened to control the production, distribution, prescription, and dispensing of antimicrobials, ensuring they are used only when medically necessary and under professional guidance.
3. Restriction of Non-Therapeutic Use: The use of antimicrobials for non-therapeutic purposes, such as growth promotion in agriculture, shall be phased out and, where appropriate, prohibited.

Section 5: Awareness, Education, and Training

1. Public Awareness Campaigns: Sustained global and national public awareness campaigns shall be launched to educate the public on AMR, the importance of infection prevention, and the responsible use of antimicrobials.
2. Professional Education: AMR education shall be integrated into the curricula of medical, veterinary, nursing, pharmaceutical, and agricultural professionals.
3. Training and Capacity Building: Continuous professional development and training programmes on AMR prevention and control shall be provided for relevant workforces.

Article 5: Governance and Coordination

1. Global AMR Coordination Body: A Global AMR Coordination Body shall be established under the auspices of the World Parliament, comprising representatives from relevant international organisations (e.g., WHO, FAO, OIE, UNEP), scientific experts, and civil society, to oversee the implementation of this Framework.
2. National Action Plans (NAPs): Member States shall develop, implement, and regularly update multi-sectoral National Action Plans on AMR, consistent with the objectives and principles of this Framework.
3. Inter-Governmental Collaboration: The Global AMR Coordination Body shall facilitate inter-governmental and multi-stakeholder collaboration to share best practices, coordinate research efforts, and address cross-border AMR challenges.

Article 6: Financing and Resource Mobilization

1. Sustainable Funding: Member States shall commit to providing adequate and sustained national and international funding for AMR response efforts.
2. Innovative Financing Mechanisms: Innovative financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships and global funds, shall be explored and established to support the implementation of this Framework, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
3. Technical Assistance: Technical and financial assistance shall be provided to Member States requiring support in developing and implementing their National Action Plans.

Article 7: Reporting and Review

1. Annual Reporting: Member States shall submit annual reports to the Global AMR Coordination Body on their progress in implementing this Framework and their National Action Plans.
2. Independent Review: The Global AMR Coordination Body shall commission independent reviews of the overall effectiveness and impact of this Framework every five (5) years.
3. Adaptation and Amendment: The Framework shall include mechanisms for regular review and adaptation in light of new scientific evidence, technological advancements, and evolving AMR challenges.

Article 8: Final Provisions

1. Entry into Force: This Act shall enter into force six (6) months after its adoption by the World Parliament.
2. Relationship to Other Instruments: This Act shall be interpreted and implemented in a manner consistent with other relevant international agreements and instruments to which Member States are parties.
3. Amendments: Any amendment to this Act shall be proposed by the Global AMR Coordination Body and adopted by the World Parliament in accordance with its established procedures.