The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first global guidance on managing antibiotic pollution from manufacturing. This new guidance focuses on wastewater and solid waste management in the pharmaceutical industry and highlights the urgent need to address this often overlooked issue. Scheduled to precede the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on September 26, 2024, the guidance aims to tackle the pollution challenges that contribute to the rise of AMR, potentially compromising the effectiveness of antibiotics worldwide.
Antibiotic pollution from manufacturing sites is a significant but underregulated problem. Despite the high levels of pollution documented, environmental emissions are rarely addressed in quality assurance criteria. Furthermore, consumers are frequently left without clear instructions on how to properly dispose of unused antibiotics, whether expired or leftover from a completed course. This gap in regulation and information can exacerbate the issue, leading to the proliferation of drug-resistant bacteria.
Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for AMR ad interim, emphasized the importance of controlling antibiotic pollution. She noted that pharmaceutical waste from antibiotic production could contribute to the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, which poses a global health threat. Effective pollution control is crucial to maintaining the efficacy of antibiotics and protecting public health.
The guidance, developed with input from a broad range of international experts and stakeholders, aims to provide a solid scientific foundation for regulators, industry players, and the public. It sets human health-based targets for mitigating the risks of AMR and addresses environmental impacts related to antibiotics used across various sectors. By promoting transparency and encouraging responsible practices, the guidance seeks to improve pollution control and support efforts to combat AMR globally.
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This initiative underscores the importance of addressing environmental issues within industries that impact both human and ecological health—proving that through responsible manufacturing, we can tackle urgent global challenges like antibiotic resistance and pollution.
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This is quite a significant way of dealing with the pollution. Enlightening the public on how to do away with all pollutants.
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This is a significant step in addressing the environmental impact of pharmaceutical production. which will mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment by promoting sustainable and responsible manufacturing practices within the pharmaceutical industry.
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This is very welcome. This new guidance targets antibiotic pollution from manufacturing, emphasizing improved waste management to combat antimicrobial resistance, protect public health, and maintain antibiotic efficacy against drug-resistant bacteria.
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Every kind of pollution should be put under control.
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@tabitha_kimani Absolutely correct! Controlling all forms of pollution is essential for safeguarding human health, protecting ecosystems, and ensuring a sustainable future for the planet.
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great to see pharmaceutical industry transitioning to greener manufacturing, this approach fosters a healthier world, not just by reducing antibiotic pollution but by creating more sustainable systems overall.