To fight the worldwide danger of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has established the Commonwealth Alliance of Medical Professionals on Antimicrobial Resistance (CAMP-AMR). This program brings together healthcare leaders from around the Commonwealth to address the growing challenge of AMR, with a special emphasis on India, which has been identified as a hotspot for antibiotic-resistant illnesses. 

Dr. Narendra Saini, Chairman of the IMA, emphasised the seriousness of the matter, noting, "AMR is a significant threat to public health in India, causing 297,000 fatalities directly and another 1.04 million related deaths in 2019 alone. This partnership is a light of hope and action, striving to reverse these concerning trends through concerted and coordinated actions." He went on to discuss the growing concern posed by AMR, illustrating how pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites adapt to resist antimicrobial treatments. "The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns that increased resistance makes infections more difficult or impossible to cure, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe sickness, disability, and death. "We must act quickly and decisively to address this crisis," Dr. Saini stated. 

The Commonwealth Alliance intends to bring together member states' medical competence, resources, and political resolve to combat AMR on a global scale. Dr. J A Jayalal, President of the Commonwealth Medical Association, highlighted the alliance's collective resolve, stating, "The Commonwealth Declaration on AMR represents our unified commitment to combating this silent pandemic. By using Commonwealth nations' pooled expertise and resources, we want to drastically reduce the threat of AMR and ensure effective healthcare solutions are available for future generations." 

Dr. R V Asokan, IMA's National President, emphasised the alliance's strategic goal, stating that "CAMP-AMR is a strategic imperative in our battle against AMR." It is critical that we eliminate over-the-counter antibiotic sales and raise public understanding about their appropriate use. We are determined to take strong actions and policies through our partnership to prevent AMR from spreading further in India." 

In addition to focussing on improving medical practices and raising awareness, CAMP-AMR will prioritise policy advocacy and international collaborations to ensure that AMR is treated as a global health issue. Dr. Saini emphasised the significance of consistent action, saying, "We must ensure that the next generation has access to the medical tools necessary to treat infections without fear of resistance rendering them ineffective." 

Through this campaign, the IMA confirms its commitment to leading the fight against AMR, forming international collaborations, and adopting policies that protect public health in India and around the world.