WHO’s First-Ever Guidelines To Combat Antibiotic Pollution In Manufacturing

News Desk

New York: The UN World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its first-ever global guidelines to curb antibiotic pollution from manufacturing, marking a significant step in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The guidelines, which focus on wastewater and solid waste management in antibiotic production, come ahead of a High-Level Meeting on AMR during the UN General Assembly later this month in New York.

AMR, a growing global health threat, occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and become resistant to existing medications. The phenomenon is largely driven by the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, though many individuals worldwide still lack access to these essential drugs.

WHO has warned that antibiotic pollution could exacerbate the spread of AMR, potentially undermining the effectiveness of antibiotics, including those produced at manufacturing sites.

Despite widespread documentation of high levels of antibiotic pollution, the issue remains largely unregulated, with existing quality assurance criteria often neglecting environmental emissions.
Moreover, consumers are typically not provided with adequate information on the proper disposal of unused antibiotics, such as those left over after a treatment course or those that have expired.

Pharmaceutical waste from antibiotic manufacturing can facilitate the emergence of new drug-resistant bacteria, which can spread globally and threaten our health,” stated WHO Assistant Director General for AMR ad interim Dr Yukiko Nakatani, .

Controlling pollution from antibiotic production is crucial to ensuring these life-saving medicines remain effective for everyone, Dr Yukiko added.

Globally, there is a significant lack of accessible information on the environmental impact of medicine manufacturing. WHO highlighted that several international bodies, including the health ministers of G7 countries and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), have called for such guidance.

“The environment’s role in the development, transmission, and spread of antimicrobial resistance needs careful consideration as evidence mounts,” said UNEP Industry and Economy Division Jacqueline Alvarez. There is widespread agreement that environmental action must become more prominent, including pollution prevention and control from municipal systems, manufacturing sites, healthcare facilities, and agri-food systems, Alvarez further stated.

Developed in collaboration with a diverse group of international experts, the new WHO guidelines offer human health-based targets to reduce the risk of AMR emergence and spread. They also set targets to protect aquatic life from the impacts of all antibiotics intended for human, animal, or plant use.

The guidelines cover the entire production process, from the manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to the formulation of finished products, including primary packaging.

The guidance provides an independent and impartial scientific basis for regulators, procurers, inspectors, and the industry to incorporate robust antibiotic pollution controls into their standards,” said  WHO Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health Dr Maria Neira.

Dr Maria added that the strong focus on transparency will empower buyers, investors, and the general public to make informed decisions regarding manufacturers’ efforts to control antibiotic pollution.