Addressing the threat of antimicrobial resistance

As a physician and now as a Senator, I have become increasingly alarmed by the rise of antimicrobial resistance in my community, across Canada, and around the world. This growing threat demands our urgent attention and action. The World Health Organization defines antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as the point when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to the medications designed to treat them. This means that antibiotics, antifungals, and other critical treatments become ineffective, turning once easily treatable infections into severe, life-threatening conditions. AMR is now recognized as one of the top global threats to public health, earning the stark label of a “silent pandemic.” From Nov. 18 to Nov. 24 marks World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW): a global campaign to raise awareness, enhance understanding, and promote best practices among One Health stakeholders. The goal is to reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections that endanger the health of people, animals, and our environment. Independent Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia is a former family physician. Photograph courtesy of Ravalia's office The impacts of AMR are already being felt across Canada. According to a 2019 report by the Canadian Council of Academies, resistant infections were responsible for over 14,000 deaths, costing our health-care system more than $2-billion annually. Without decisive action, these figures are projected to soar. By 2050, it is estimated that resistance rates could reach 40 per cent, potentially resulting in nearly 396,000 Canadian lives lost and a $396-billion hit to our GDP. This year's WAAW theme—“Educate. Advocate. Act Now.”—is a call to action for all of us. We must use our voices—whether speaking with patients, constituents, or the broader public—to highlight the urgent need to address AMR. Raising awareness is not just a responsibility; it is a vital step toward safeguarding our future. While there is no single solution to the AMR crisis, there are steps we can take immediately. One of the most effective tools we have is education. Antibiotics are indispensable to modern health care, but their overuse and misuse accelerate the development of resistance. We need to shift the narrative: not all illnesses require antibiotics. These drugs should be reserved for when they are truly necessary, whether for treating severe infections, preventing complications during surgeries, or supporting vulnerable patients undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplants. Health-care professionals know all too well the challenges of managing resistant infections, particularly in vulnerable populations like the elderly or those with chronic illnesses. A routine urinary tract infection, for example, can quickly escalate to life-threatening sepsis if resistant to available treatments. However, misdiagnosis or the inappropriate prescription of antibiotics only worsens the issue. Even when the correct diagnosis is made, Canada faces another significant hurdle: access to new antibiotics. Our country is falling behind. Of the last 18 antibiotics approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, only two are available in Canada. This limited access puts patients and healthcare providers at risk. When essential antibiotics are not readily available, doctors must navigate a lengthy, bureaucratic process to request them from abroad—a delay that could cost lives. This brings us to the urgent need for advocacy. We must prioritize the health of Canadians, and address the barriers that limit access to new treatments. The Government of Canada has made global commitments at the G7 and G20 to tackle antibiotic market failures, strengthen AMR research and development (R&D), and bring new antibacterial medicines to market. Despite these commitments, progress has been slow since 2021. With Canada hosting the upcoming G7 Summit, we have a unique opportunity to lead by example. As a nation, we must uphold our past commitments and push for bold, new actions. Our focus should be twofold: reinforcing our commitment to addressing antibiotic market failures and advocating for greater investments in AMR R&D. This is our chance to demonstrate Canada’s leadership in the global fight against AMR. The time to act is now. Beyond the awareness raised during World AMR Awareness Week, our advocacy must continue throughout the year. We must work tirelessly to secure access to new and effective antibiotics and collaborate with our G7 partners to drive meaningful progress. Canada has the potential to lead in this critical fight. By prioritizing education, advocacy, and international collaboration, we can protect the health of our citizens and preserve the effectiveness of life-saving treatments for generations to come. Independent Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia represents Newfoundland and Labrador, and is a former family physician with over three decades of experience in rural health care. He is a dedicated advocate for equitable healthcare access, and is actively engaged in addressing pressing public health issues, including antimicrobial resistance, both in Canada and internationally. The Hill Times

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