Pfizer, ICMR to Establish a Centre in New Delhi to Combat AMR
“The Government of India recognises the need for urgent action and hence is developing a national response mechanism to adeptly deal with the growing challenge of anti-microbial resistance. It is important to channel all necessary resources in developing, implementing and monitoring antibiotic resistance to minimise its adverse impact, which is posing a huge threat to both health and food security. Infections such as pneumonia, TB etc. are becoming difficult to treat due to decreased effectiveness arising out of irrational usage of antibiotics. We must do all we can, to prevent a scenario where common infections and minor injuries become difficult or impossible to treat. Adopting a partnership approach with Pfizer, ICMR is engaging with relevant stakeholders to draw in diverse perspectives and support. We are happy to announce this association through which we could bring about a change positively in the way antibiotics are prescribed and used. Behaviour change will need to be a key component of this strategy.”
Health needs
The project will help address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India, as it is important to invest all the necessary resources in combating the adverse impact of AMR, due to the huge threat it poses to health security.
Initiative’s objective
The institution of a Centre to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance will serve to implement a series of comprehensive interventions, ranging from AMR Stewardship programs for Nursing Homes to scaling up of the ongoing AMR surveillance network and creating awareness around responsible use of antibiotics. Such prevention and treatment solutions are necessary in attempting to reduce the spread of AMR.
Initiative’s description
The strategy behind the initiative is producing a strong private-public partnership on the ground and in collaboration with experts. To that end, Pfizer has provided an initial grant of INR 6.97 crores (ca. $1.07M) with a provision to scale up as the project expands. The two main actors of the partnership are Pfizer and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), with potential outreaches to other associations to advance specific segments of the interventions.
Impact
Pfizer has provided an initial grant of approximately 1.07M USD for the initiative, with the provision of scale up as the project progresses. The combination of the initiative’s focus areas will aim to ensure a coherent and holistic approach to curb AMR and improve public health and therapeutic outcomes in the future. Thus, one of the main planned outcomes of the initiative is to bring about positive change in how antibiotics are prescribed and used.
More information on ICMR and Pfizer may be found at http://icmr.gov.in/ and www.pfizerindia.com, respectively.
Additional Information
Mr. S. Sridhar, Managing Director, Pfizer Ltd.
“The Pharmaceuticals Industry must respond in full force to support the Government’s ambitious plan to combat antimicrobial resistance. Since its pioneering contribution of mass producing penicillin in the 1940s, Pfizer has remained a leading anti-infectives company across the world. We therefore recognize that we play an important role in a collective effort to address AMR – one of the greatest public health challenges of our time. We deeply value this partnership with the ICMR and hope to make a tangible contribution to this national endeavor.”
Mr. Pierre Gaudreault, Regional President of APAC Pfizer Essential Health
“Pfizer recognizes the serious public health threat associated with anti-microbial resistance and we work closely with the governments and public health community to address the crisis of drug resistant infection. ICMR’s decision to partner with us reaffirms our longstanding heritage and industry-leading expertise in infectious disease management. We are committed to being a holistic provider of prevention and treatment solutions that go beyond just medicines so that our patients can lead significantly improved lives.”