Our regional youth champion Soe Yu Naing, speaks at the Interprofessional Asia Pacific AMR Youth Forum 2024
The Interprofessional Asia-Pacific AMR Youth Forum 1.0, dedicated to addressing urgent public health challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR), featured a presentation by Soe Yu Naing, DTH Lab Regional Youth Champion representing Eastern and South-eastern Asia.
Speaking on his involvement in harnessing technology to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR),Naing highlighted three crucial points to enhance digital transformations in addressing AMR;
- The pressing requirement to enhance research and development (R&D) endeavours for AMR.
- Advocating for the implementation of a digitalized integrated surveillance system for antimicrobial use (AMU) and AMR, with a specific emphasis on promoting data equity, fairness.
- Adherence to digital ethics.
Naing emphasized the importance of empowering communities through a digital-first health system and citizen science highlighting how these approaches have the potential to transform pandemic preparedness and strengthen health systems. When discussing the future of patient care and global health, Naing pointed out the importance of utilizing advanced technologies such as whole-genome sequencing, machine learning, and Artificial Intelligence to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). He stressed the need to initiate these efforts by prioritizing data solidarity and adopting a comprehensive approach to address concerns regarding digital ethics and privacy.
His insights contribute to the overarching goals of the forum, organized by the International Association of Dental Students (IADS), International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA), International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF), and International Veterinary Students’ Association (IVSA) in the Asia-Pacific region, fostering collaboration and innovative solutions among dental, medical, pharmaceutical, and veterinary student associations.
Event highlights on AMR
The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a pressing global health challenge that jeopardizes our ability to effectively combat infectious diseases. AMR refers to the ability of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, to develop resistance against the drugs intended to eradicate them. This resistance is driven by multiple factors, including the excessive and inappropriate use of antimicrobial drugs in human medicine, animal agriculture, and the environment. The consequences of AMR extend beyond the diminished effectiveness of current treatments, encompassing significant economic, social, and healthcare burdens on a global scale. With the escalating prevalence of AMR, urgent and coordinated actions are imperative to confront this multifaceted issue and safeguard the continued efficacy of antimicrobial therapies.
The challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance are complex and require a comprehensive and collaborative approach. Efforts to combat AMR must address issues related to antimicrobial use, surveillance, research and development, and international cooperation. By working together and implementing evidence-based strategies utilizing advanced technology that promote digital transformations of health, we can mitigate the impact of AMR, ensure the continued effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments and ensure a healthier future for all.
