The primary objectives of the second workshop were to extract those aspects of antibiotic resistance that are most pressing, inspect the potential of the new scientific advances to spur needed diagnostic and therapeutic advances, and examine areas of intervention most likely to return the biggest payback to investments of funding, research, advocacy, and education. The workshop sought to address these complex issues, and consisted of three major components:
- Resistance as a phenomenon, and the major factors contributing to its increasing prevalence;
- Surveillance activities and needs; and
- Options for response.
Beyond the fundamental question of resources, the workshop reported that most critical issues concern the expansion, coordination, and improvement of the diverse elements of surveillance. There are also key areas where thoughtful investments could make a difference in what is known and what can be done about antimicrobial resistance in research, clinical management and practice, and policy:
- Emphasizing ways to prolong the effectiveness of existing antibiotics
- Pursuing basic research and seeking incentives for developing new antibiotics
- Answering questions about the use of antibiotics in food production
- Exploring legal and regulatory mechanisms to monitor resistance
Because antimicrobial drug resistance is a global problem, it can only be addressed with international cooperation, at a minimum in the acquisition and sharing of information. Whatever friction might ensue from shaping and implementing, such policies would be more than offset by the savings in medical and hospital costs and, most importantly, the deaths and disability avoided.