Statement attributable to:

Andrew W. Gurman, M.D.

President, American Medical Association

"As concerns continue to mount over the global public health threat posed by antimicrobial resistance, the AMA commends the United Nations (UN) for taking a major step this week aimed at combatting this growing public health epidemic. The UN's newly adopted declaration will help shine a much needed spotlight on the dangers of antimicrobial resistance and help ensure the appropriate use of antibiotics in humans and animals to help limit the spread of disease.

"With a decline in the effectiveness of available antibiotics, it is extremely important that we continue to take steps to ensure the appropriate use of antibiotics across all settings. The AMA will continue to do its part to educate physicians on the importance of antibiotic stewardship in the inpatient and outpatient settings and provide them with the latest tools to help alleviate uncertainty when prescribing antibiotics."

The AMA has long supported efforts to prevent the spread of drug-resistant organisms in health care facilities and communities. Specifically, the AMA has adopted numerous policies and advocated for legislation over the years supporting efforts to address antimicrobial resistance, including reducing barriers to antibiotic development through incentives. Because antibiotics are important in the treatment of human infections, AMA policy also calls for continued education on the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents as well as bringing an end to the practice of using medically-important antibiotics for growth promotion in animals.

The AMA will continue to work together with the federal government, policymakers and other stakeholders on ways to address antimicrobial resistance, promote antibiotic stewardship, and protect public health.