The National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization unveiled Pakistan’s first National Priority Pathogen list to confront antimicrobial resistance during an Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Walk in Islamabad. The announcement responds to a crisis that is currently responsible for over 200,000 directly attributable and associated deaths in Pakistan each year.
Dr Muhammad Salman, Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute of Health, urged a One Health approach that links human, animal and environmental health. He highlighted drivers of antimicrobial resistance in Pakistan such as irrational prescribing, over the counter sales of antibiotics, gaps in infection prevention and control, and the misuse of antimicrobials in agriculture and livestock.
Dr Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Pakistan, warned that without urgent measures the country could face up to 63,000 directly attributable deaths and 262,000 associated deaths by 2050. Globally the threat could reach 10 million deaths a year and wipe out an estimated $100 trillion in economic output by mid century if action is not taken.
Pakistan’s National Priority Pathogen list is among the first eight pathogen lists produced globally, a milestone designed to guide surveillance, laboratory capacity, clinical practice and policy to contain antimicrobial resistance. The list will support targeted efforts in hospitals, communities and agricultural settings to strengthen antibiotic stewardship and infection control.
To mark World Antimicrobial Awareness Week and this launch, NIH and WHO co-organized a symbolic walk and a student poster competition. Winners were presented awards for artwork that explained why responsible use of antibiotics matters for protecting lives today and securing the future for children across Pakistan. The week’s theme Act Now Protect Our Present Secure Our Future underlined urgent action for policymakers, health workers, farmers and the public.
Health authorities in Pakistan say stronger stewardship, improved prescribing practices, tighter regulation of medicine sales and coordinated One Health measures are essential to slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance and reduce preventable deaths. Continued public awareness and community engagement will be key to turning the National Priority Pathogen list into measurable progress on the ground.
