Pledging to work on "mission mode", 11 ministries on Wednesday came together to develop an action plan to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and proposed setting up of a national authority to monitor the condition.

The 11 ministries, including health, environment, agriculture and food, and public distribution, adopted the 'Delhi Declaration' and pledged to take steps to ensure strengthening of monitoring and regulatory frameworks on the use and sale of antimicrobial medicines for human and animals.

The declaration called upon all stakeholders including the UN, WHO, FAO and other UN agencies, civil society organisations to support the development and implementation of the national and state action plans on AMR, and initiating activities to raise awareness and knowledge about it.

Stating that AMR needs to be addressed comprehensively under 'One Health Approach', Nadda said the action plan has been prepared through extensive national consultations with various stakeholders.

"In alignment with global action plan, India's action plan has objectives of enhancing awareness, strengthening surveillance, improving rational use of antibiotics, reducing infections and promoting research,” he said.

"This is a landmark occasion. We are ready with a blueprint that meets global expectations. The challenge now is in its efficient implementation through a coordinated approach at all levels of use of antibiotics," he added.

Nadda urged all state governments to develop state-specific action plans and assured them of all possible assistance.

The declaration also called for investments for AMR activities, research and innovations with focus on development of new antibiotics, innovations in diagnostics and vaccines.

"Recognise that spread of AMR is negating many 20th century achievements, particularly reduction in illness and death from infectious diseases, and note with concern that without effective one health and other multi-sectoral cooperation and action, AMR is predicted to cause millions of death worldwide," the declaration said.