Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a real threat to global health. It makes infections difficult to treat while increasing the spread of more severe and fatal diseases.

Antimicrobial resistance is the condition when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become resistant to antimicrobial drugs.

Director General of Health Services at the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Dr. Azhar Jaya, emphasized that AMR has become a real threat to global health. “The ability of microorganisms to withstand antimicrobials such as antibiotics has led to a significant increase in morbidity, mortality, and health financing,” he said during a one-day seminar commemorating World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) in Jakarta, Thursday (21/11/2024).

The seminar was a collaboration between the Directorate General of Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices and the Directorate General of Health Services of the Indonesian Ministry of Health with the Fleming Fund as a development partner. The event, themed Collaborative and Participatory Action in Tackling AMR, aims to raise awareness and strengthen the commitment of stakeholders to collaborate in efforts to control antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

“Bacterial infections are now the second leading cause of death globally after ischemic heart disease. In 2019 AMR caused 1.27 million deaths. If not addressed, it is estimated that this figure will reach 10 million per year by 2050,” said Azhar.

He also warned of the risk of a silent pandemic due to AMR, which has a higher mortality rate in sepsis than COVID-19.

Similarly, Director General of Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices, L. Rizka Andalucia, said that AMR has become a global concern and a key indicator in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “AMR control is not only the responsibility of the government, health workers, medical personnel but also the responsibility of the community,” she emphasized.

Rizka highlighted the challenges of antibiotic distribution in Indonesia. She referred to data from the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (IHS), which showed 22.1 percent of people used oral antibiotics, either in the form of tablets or syrup in the past year. Of this figure, 41 percent of them obtained antibiotics without a prescription.

Rizka emphasized the importance of strict supervision of antimicrobial distribution in health care facilities. She revealed that more than 60% of the public obtained antibiotics without a prescription from licensed pharmacies or drug stores, including purchases at stalls and online platforms. In addition, 18 provinces have a proportion of oral antibiotics obtained without a doctor's prescription above the national average (41 percent).

“Well, this is a challenge for us, the Directorate General of Pharmacy and Medical Devices to curb the distribution of antimicrobials, especially in health care facilities such as pharmacies,” said Rizka. 

The Ministry of Health is improving access and quality of pharmaceutical services, supporting antimicrobial resistance control programs, developing innovation and technology, and monitoring and evaluation. This is done so that AMR can be controlled.

She also mentioned the importance of education for health workers, medical personnel, and the public about the use of antimicrobials. Therefore, collaboration is key in handling the issue.

“Through synergy and joint commitment, we realize equitable access and quality pharmaceutical services to support the wise use of antimicrobials, for a better health future for Indonesia,” concluded Rizka.

In this series of events, a joint commitment was signed with the government, pharmaceutical industry, professional organizations, associations, and foundations, as a form of collective seriousness in dealing with AMR. In addition, a talk show themed “Patient and Community Engagement in Tackling AMR” was held to educate the public about the importance of wise use of antibiotics.

 This seminar is a strategic momentum to strengthen synergy between parties in facing the global threat of AMR. This step not only strengthens the national commitment, but also emphasizes Indonesia's contribution in addressing the world's major public health challenges today.