WHO launches global guidance to curb antibiotic pollution

New Delhi: In a bid to curb the rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday published its first-ever guidance on wastewater and solid waste management for antibiotic manufacturing.

AMR poses a looming threat to global health and even food security. Medicines produced at the manufacturing sites can lead to pollution, and also spur new drug-resistant bacteria, undermining the effectiveness of antibiotics globally.

“Pharmaceutical waste from antibiotic manufacturing can facilitate the emergence of new drug-resistant bacteria, which can spread globally and threaten our health. Controlling pollution from antibiotic production contributes to keeping these life-saving medicines effective for everyone," said Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for AMR ad interim.