Pakistan and WHO urge action on antimicrobial resistance with new national priority pathogen list
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the World Health Organization (WHO) have raised a pressing public health alert regarding the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which currently contributes to over 200,000 deaths annually in the country. The announcement coincided with World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) 2025, during which Pakistan’s National Institute of Health (NIH) and WHO unveiled the nation’s first National Priority Pathogen List for AMR in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
A growing health crisis
AMR is being accelerated in Pakistan due to misuse and overuse of antibiotics across human healthcare, agriculture, and veterinary practices. Experts warn that, without immediate intervention, the country could face up to 63,000 deaths directly attributable to resistant infections and more than 262,000 related deaths annually by 2050.
Dr Muhammad Salman, CEO of NIH, emphasized that combating AMR requires a comprehensive One Health approach addressing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. He identified key factors driving resistance in Pakistan, including irrational prescribing practices, over-the-counter sales of antibiotics, inadequate infection prevention, and the misuse of antimicrobials in livestock and agriculture.
Significance of the national priority pathogen list
The launch of Pakistan’s National Priority Pathogen List represents a landmark achievement in global AMR efforts. It is among the first eight such lists worldwide and provides a structured framework for surveillance, policy-making, and clinical guidance. The list is intended to help healthcare institutions, laboratories, and regulatory authorities prioritize resources to combat the most dangerous pathogens.
Globally, AMR is projected to cause up to 10 million deaths annually and result in a cumulative economic loss of $100 trillion by 2050 if decisive action is not taken. Dr Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Pakistan, stressed that AMR is a present and ongoing threat, noting that every five minutes, two people in Pakistan succumb to infections linked to antimicrobial resistance—deaths that could be prevented through responsible action.
Community engagement and awareness
As part of WAAW 2025 activities, WHO and NIH organized an Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Walk to mobilize communities and stakeholders. The campaign theme, “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,” encouraged policymakers, health workers, farmers, media, and the public to take proactive steps in reducing AMR risks.
The event also celebrated young minds through a student poster competition, where children illustrated the importance of judicious antibiotic use. Dr Dapeng highlighted that daily choices—from hygiene practices to responsible medication use—can significantly influence public health outcomes and protect future generations.
Call to action
Health authorities reiterate that combating AMR requires collaborative action across all sectors. Responsible antibiotic use, improved infection control, and stronger surveillance systems are essential to prevent the further spread of resistant infections in Pakistan and globally.
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