Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a critical global public health issue. Presently, India ranks among the countries with the highest AMR rates. Bacterial pathogens that are resistant to carbapenems and colistin, considered as last-resort antibiotics, are frequently detected in clinical and environmental samples. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 4.9 million deaths annually are linked to AMR. A recent study published in The Lancet revealed that in 2019, 1.27 million deaths were attributed to drug-resistant bacterial infections. Recognising the severity of AMR, the G20 Heads of State and Government have committed to "implementing a multi-sectoral One Health approach and enhancing global surveillance, including genomic surveillance, to detect pathogens and AMR that may pose threats to human health."

Antibiotic development has been abandoned by several major pharmaceutical companies. Consequently, scientists are exploring diverse strategies, including personalised treatments, combination therapies, phage therapy, anti-virulence approaches, and the discovery of novel antibiotics from natural sources or through synthetic biology. The future of antibiotics hinges on our ability to comprehensively address AMR through collaborative efforts.

ICAFA-2023 is a two-day event focused on discussing the AMR issue, covering various aspects such as AMR in a One Health context, AMR surveillance, Genomics & Diagnostics, Pathogen strategies, Next Generation Antimicrobials, and Emerging alternatives to antibiotics. These conferences serve as a vital platform for knowledge sharing, fostering collaborations, and devising strategies to counteract the escalating threat of antibiotic resistance. They play a pivotal role in raising awareness and mobilizing action to tackle this global health challenge.