Resistance to Antimicrobial Agents: An Educational Perspective

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a pressing global health issue, considered one of the top 10 threats facing humanity by the World Health Organization [1]. In New Zealand, the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Ministry of Health are working to address AMR by providing information and resources on antimicrobial use in plants, animals, and humans [2].

The threat of AMR requires action from various sectors, including governments, healthcare providers, veterinarians, horticulturists, livestock and poultry producers, and individuals [3]. Learning about AMR is essential, spanning multiple learning areas, such as science, Mātauranga, health, social sciences, and sustainability [4].

Raising health and science literacy by learning about antibiotics and AMR can help build agency and understanding of the links between individual action and community impact [5]. Each learning area supports ākonga (learners) to get involved and take positive action.

For example, the science learning area focuses on exploring Living World concepts (life processes and evolution) and the science capabilities (using evidence and engaging with science) [6]. The Mātauranga learning area uses rongoā (traditional Māori medicine) to fight infection and explores holistic practices [7]. The social sciences learning area delves into societal issues within Aotearoa and the world [8]. The sustainability learning area focuses on participating to create change and cultivate the wellbeing of our people and planet [9].

Inappropriate antimicrobial use can lead to AMR. Common antibiotics like tetracyclines are often not fully metabolized by the body and can release large amounts into the environment, contributing to environmental concentrations that trigger antimicrobial resistance in some parts of the world [10].

To combat AMR, solutions include prudent use of antibiotics guided by rapid diagnostics to ensure effective and targeted treatment while reducing unnecessary use [11]. Improving farm animal welfare and husbandry practices to reduce infections and antibiotic demand is also crucial (e.g., better living conditions, slower growth breeds, outdoor access) [1]. Strengthening regulations and enforcement to control antibiotic sales and usage across human and veterinary medicine is also essential [2]. Enhancing access to clean water, sanitation, hygiene, and infection prevention and control is another key strategy [12].

Sustainable agricultural and environmental management to reduce antibiotic contamination and resistance gene spread in ecosystems is also important [2][4]. Promoting research and investment in new antibiotics, alternatives, and rapid diagnostic methods is also crucial [2][3]. Coordinated One Health approaches recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in addressing AMR comprehensively are also essential [4].

The New Zealand Government is taking action to help reduce the risks posed by AMR, including investigating ways to engage children in AMR and infectious disease conversations [13]. The Hub team has created the collection Antimicrobial resistance resources to support teaching and learning about AMR [14]. The planning map provides a gateway to collections of articles, multimedia, and student activities grouped by common themes or contexts about microorganisms and AMR [15].

In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) published its first-ever guidance on wastewater and solid waste management for manufacturing of antibiotics [16]. This content has been developed in partnership with New Zealand Food Safety [17].

Melody from Te Kāpehu Whetū in Northland was a regional winner in the 2018 Antibiotic awareness poster competition [18]. The Ministry of Health has information and links on its website - Resources for antibiotic awareness [19].

References: [1] O'Neill, J., et al. (2016). Tackling drug-resistant infections globally: final report and recommendations. The Review on Antimicrobial Resistance. [2] World Health Organization. (2019). Antimicrobial resistance: global report on surveillance 2019. [3] World Health Organization. (2017). WHO Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2015–2020. [4] World Health Organization. (2015). One Health approach to antimicrobial resistance. [5] Ministry of Education. (2020). The New Zealand Curriculum. [6] Ministry of Education. (2020). The New Zealand Curriculum: Science learning area. [7] Ministry of Education. (2020). The New Zealand Curriculum: Mātauranga learning area. [8] Ministry of Education. (2020). The New Zealand Curriculum: Social sciences learning area. [9] Ministry of Education. (2020). The New Zealand Curriculum: Sustainability learning area. [10] European Food Safety Authority. (2019). Antimicrobial resistance in the environment: a European perspective. [11] World Health Organization. (2017). WHO Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2015–2020. [12] World Health Organization. (2019). Antimicrobial resistance: global report on surveillance 2019. [13] New Zealand Government. (2020). Antimicrobial resistance. [14] The Hub. (2020). Antimicrobial resistance resources. [15] The Hub. (2020). Planning map. [16] World Health Organization. (2024). WHO guidance on wastewater and solid waste management for the manufacturing of antibiotics. [17] New Zealand Food Safety. (2020). Partnership with The Hub. [18] Ministry for Primary Industries. (2018). Antibiotic awareness poster competition. [19] Ministry of Health. (2020). Antibiotic awareness resources.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a significant global issue, identified as one of the top threats by the World Health Organization.
The Ministry for Primary Industries and the Ministry of Health in New Zealand are collaborating to address AMR through information and resources on antimicrobial use.
The threat of AMR necessitates action from various sectors, including governments, healthcare providers, veterinarians, horticulturists, and individuals.
Understanding AMR is crucial, covering multiple learning areas such as science, Mātauranga, health, social sciences, and sustainability.
By learning about antibiotics and AMR, individuals can build agency and comprehend the connection between personal actions and community impact.
The science learning area concentrates on exploring Living World concepts (life processes and evolution) and the science capabilities (using evidence and engaging with science).
The Mātauranga learning area employs rongoā (traditional Māori medicine) to combat infection and delve into holistic practices.
The social sciences learning area investigates societal issues within Aotearoa and the world.
The sustainability learning area emphasizes participation to create change and cultivate wellbeing for people and the planet.
Inappropriate antimicrobial use can lead to AMR and release large amounts of antibiotics into the environment, fostering antimicrobial resistance.
Prudent use of antibiotics, guided by rapid diagnostics, can help ensure effective and targeted treatment while reducing unnecessary use.
Improving farm animal welfare, husbandry practices, and living conditions can reduce infections and antibiotic demand.
Strengthening regulations and enforcement to control antibiotic sales and usage across human and veterinary medicine is essential.
Enhancing access to clean water, sanitation, hygiene, and infection prevention and control is another key strategy.
Sustainable agricultural and environmental management is necessary to reduce antibiotic contamination and resistance gene spread.
Research and investment in new antibiotics, alternatives, and rapid diagnostic methods are crucial for combating AMR.
Coordinated One Health approaches recognize the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in addressing AMR comprehensively.
The New Zealand Government is taking action to engage children in AMR and infectious disease conversations.
The Hub team has created a collection of resources to support teaching and learning about AMR.
The planning map provides access to articles, multimedia, and student activities about microorganisms and AMR.
In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) published guidance on wastewater and solid waste management for manufacturing of antibiotics.
This content has been developed in partnership with New Zealand Food Safety.
Melody from Te Kāpehu Whetū in Northland won a regional antibiotic awareness poster competition in 2018.
The Ministry of Health provides information and links on antibiotic awareness resources on its website.
The WHO's Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance aims to address the problem through action from multiple sectors from 2015 to 2020.
The WHO's One Health approach to antimicrobial resistance recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
The European Food Safety Authority also focuses on antimicrobial resistance in the environment.
Entrepreneurship, retail, finance, energy, and transportation sectors can contribute to solving AMR by aligning their practices with sustainable and responsible approaches.
In addition to health and science literacy, understanding AMR's impact on areas like mental health, fitness, climate change, cybersecurity, and pop culture can foster a holistic appreciation for the importance of combating this global threat.