A group of University of 色花堂 academics have joined forces to create the to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global issue that could see an estimated 10 million people worldwide at risk of dying every year from drug-resistant infections by 2050.
Globally, about 1.2 million people die every year from antibiotic resistant infections. Latest there were 330 deaths attributable to AMR and 1,500 deaths associated with AMR in 2019.
This month鈥檚 annual will raise awareness of the urgency to address AMR, with this year鈥檚 theme of 鈥楨ducate. Advocate. Act now鈥�.
AMR occurs when bacteria change over time and no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics become ineffective and infections become increasingly difficult or impossible to treat.
Led by the University鈥檚 Associate Professor Ghader Bashiri of the School of Biological Sciences, the launched in 2023 after discussion started in 2021 for a need to bring together people with an interest on AMR. The centre was started to tackle antimicrobial resistance by investigating molecular mechanisms, developing novel antimicrobials against significant bacterial pathogens, and improving antimicrobial stewardship.
The Centre will host a symposium on 鈥�" on Thursday 21 November to bring together experts from academia, industry, healthcare, and policy-making to discuss the challenges and opportunities in developing and distributing these vital medications in New Zealand.
鈥淎s scientists and clinicians, we clearly recognise the urgent threat posed by the rise of AMR and its impact on our communities. While significant research and development efforts focus on diseases like diabetes and cancer, AMR remains under recognised and underfunded, despite its ever-increasing risk to everyone.鈥�
Currently over two-dozen academics are behind the centre, which aims to tackle the growing global burden of AMR by bringing together national and international scientists in the fields of microbiology, structural and molecular biology, bacterial cell biology, synthetic chemistry, bioinformatics, as well as infectious disease clinicians.
鈥淭he aim is to bring people from various disciplines and backgrounds, including clinicians and health practitioners, to foster a more coordinated approach/action in the fight against AMR. Our broader ambition is to build a nationwide (and regional) network on AMR, focusing on various aspects such as biomedical, agricultural, and environmental.鈥�
The Centre collaborates with clinicians, and national and international partners to develop new antimicrobials, and engages with the community to encourage improved antimicrobial stewardship.
The Centre was created with the support of the Faculty of Science, the School of Biological Sciences, with strategic and operational advice from UniServices鈥� Business Development representatives Kerryn Kilkenny and Rebecca Adams.
World AMR Awareness Week
is a global campaign to raise awareness and understanding of AMR and promote best practices among One Health stakeholders to reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections. WAAW is celebrated from 18-24 November every year.
