Targeted Action and Financing the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance in Asia
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a deadly global crisis, linked to 4.71 million deaths in 2021 and projected to rise to 8.22 million annually by 2050 – surpassing cancer as the leading cause of death. Asia stands at the epicentre of this threat, driven by overuse of antibiotics, weak health systems, poor sanitation and climate vulnerabilities.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a deadly global crisis, linked to 4.71 million deaths in 2021 and projected to rise to 8.22 million annually by 2050 – surpassing cancer as the leading cause of death. Asia stands at the epicentre of this threat, driven by overuse of antibiotics, weak health systems, poor sanitation and climate vulnerabilities.
This paper outlines a strategic response grounded in three urgent “sprints” – educate, prevent and monitor; and a long-term “marathon” – to treat AMR through R&D and equitable access to medicines. From responsible antibiotic use to improved diagnostics and sanitation systems, strategic investment in the Asia-Pacific could save up to $55 billion annually by the next decade. This paper by the World Economic Forum’s Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) initiative, Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) and Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) aims to inform and encourage private funders, impact investors and philanthropists to support the fight against AMR.