Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing health threats facing Australia and the world today. A recent study estimated that more than 39 million people globally could lose their lives between 2025 and 2050 because of AMR.
Without urgent, coordinated action, the effectiveness of life-saving antibiotics is at risk.
At the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC), we recognise that AMR is a complex, multi-sectoral challenge that stretches far beyond human health. AMR also impacts animal health, agriculture, food security and the environment.
These sectors are deeply interconnected, which is why our response prioritises a ‘One Health’ approach. One Health emphasises that interconnection and so brings together expertise and action across these sectors in government, non-government bodies, industry and research organisations.
National coordination is key to effective action. The Australian CDC, working in close partnership with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and other government agencies, leads Australia’s comprehensive response to AMR.
Our guiding framework, Australia’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy – 2020 and Beyond, lays out a 20-year vision to protect and keep antimicrobials effective for humans, animals and the environment, now and into the future.
Surveillance is a mainstay of the Australian CDC’s strategy. Through the Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Australia (AURA) surveillance program, we monitor trends in antimicrobial use and resistance, detect emerging threats, and track life-threatening infections nationwide.
In 2024, the Australian Government committed $22.3 million over four years to support and enhance the AURA program, reflecting the vital role of robust, ongoing surveillance in our national defence against AMR.
Beyond surveillance, the Australian CDC focuses on:
- developing and contributing to policies and guidelines to prevent and control AMR
- supporting infection prevention, immunisation and diagnostic initiatives
- leading public awareness and education campaigns – including the annual World AMR Awareness Week
- facilitating expert advisory arrangements for a unified response
- contributing to international partnerships and surveillance to strengthen the global AMR response
Our commitment extends beyond Australia’s borders. The Australian CDC is a strong supporter of the draft global action plan on AMR and is an active signatory to the 2024 United Nations General Assembly Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance. We advocate for a stronger global focus on prevention, equity in access to medicines and health services, and coordinated international efforts against AMR.
Australia’s battle against AMR is a shared responsibility. The CDC’s leadership in partnering on a One Health response ensures that, by working together across sectors and regions, we can safeguard the effectiveness of antimicrobials for generations to come.
For more information on Australia’s AMR response and resources, visit amr.gov.au.
To learn more about the Australian CDC and our One Health approach, visit cdc.gov.au.
This article was written by the Australian Centre for Disease Control as part of the AMR 2026 Summit.
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