We are asking for your support to sign a citizen’s petition to encourage Canada’s federal government to issue a final Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the leading public health issues of our time. According to the Council of Canadian Academies, in Canada, 26% of infections are resistant to the medicines that are generally first prescribed to treat an infection, a rate that could rise to 40% or beyond in the coming decades. By 2050, a total of 396,000 lives could be lost and the Canadian economy could lose $388 billion per year. Without an urgent response, common infections and minor injuries will once again take lives and cause significant harm to Canada’s health system and economy.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 outbreak has only exacerbated the issue of antimicrobial resistance, creating deeper urgency to this public health issue.
A Pan-Canadian Action Plan is critically needed to drive new programs and funding in infection prevention and control, stewardship, surveillance, research, and innovation to address the rising rate of resistance in Canada. A Pan-Canadian Action Plan will also ensure Canada’s public health system is ready to address rates of antimicrobial resistance that are expected to accelerate in the COVID and post-COVID environment.
What can you do to help?
- Please sign a copy of the petition to the Government of Canada to provide an update regarding the Pan-Canadian Action Plan on AMR, and share its assumptions regarding the impact of COVID-19 on antimicrobial resistance in Canada. You must be a Canadian citizen to sign.
- Share this petition with email to your friends, family, and colleague through email or social media.
- Learn more how the World Health Organization and its partners are addressing the crisis of AMR, including raising awarenss of AMR and antimicrobial stewardship during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week in November.