HHS launches global antimicrobial resistance challenge

The Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today announced the AMR Challenge, a year-long effort to accelerate the global fight against antimicrobial resistance. More than 100 organizations, including the AHA, have committed to building on the progress to date. “Our shared commitment to confront this threat is critical to all American communities and companies, protecting our progress in health care outcomes, food production and even life expectancy,” said CDC Director Robert Redfield. HHS Secretary Alex Azar will launch the challenge tonight at a 7 p.m. ET event during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, which AHA Chief Medical Officer Jay Bhatt, D.O., will attend. The initiative builds on U.S. momentum since 2015 to support the National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria, including antibiotic use commitments made at the White House Forum on Antibiotic Stewardship. For more on antimicrobial stewardship and resources for hospitals, visit www.aha.org.