Port Blair Nov 24: As drug-resistant infections rise faster than new medicines can be developed, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands joined the global call to confront what experts warn could be the next major public health crisis: antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram, observed World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week 2025 from November 18 to 24, placing sharp focus on the global threat that the WHO ranks among the top public health challenges of this century.
AMR occurs when microbes stop responding to medicines, making common infections harder—or impossible—to treat. With this year’s theme, “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,” CIARI’s week-long campaign underscored the urgent need for coordinated action across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
A series of awareness activities highlighted the significance of the issue, including poster displays across South Andaman and Car Nicobar under the “Go Blue for AMR” initiative, hands-on training in antibiotic sensitivity testing for paravets, competitions for school and college students, and an awareness programme for farmers. The concluding workshop featured a presentation by CIARI Director Dr Jai Sunder on the AMR situation in the islands.
At the valedictory event on November 24, Chief Guest Dr K.A. Naveen, Director of the Directorate of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, stressed the need for a united, One-Health approach to combat AMR. Guest of Honour Dr Kalyan P. Kadbhane highlighted the promise of herbal and alternative medicine as part of the resistance-mitigation toolkit. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Arun Kumar De.
Act now or lose the cure: Islands mark Anti-Microbial Day with urgent call to action
