Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an evolving and pervasive challenge threatening health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability worldwide. Despite decades of scientific advances, recent studies repeatedly underscore the silent yet accelerating nature of the AMR crisis, with projections warning of significant public health and economic losses if decisive action is not taken. Although the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan and various National Action Plans now frame global and local responses, substantial gaps persist—particularly in coordinating intersectoral activity and translating surveillance data into actionable, multisectoral policies. Current efforts often focus on tracking the scale of the problem, while critical interventions to address identified risks, particularly from animal and environmental sources, remain insufficient or unevenly implemented.

Recent investigations reveal persistent underrepresentation of the animal sector in antimicrobial surveillance, even though it is accountable for a majority of global antimicrobial consumption. The environmental role as a resistance reservoir is still poorly mapped, largely due to limited integration of the environmental sector’s expertise and inequitable participation. Although intersectoral strategies are recognized as essential, systematic barriers hinder harmonized actions across policy, monitoring, and mitigation, especially in low-resource settings. Ongoing debates highlight the necessity for innovation in alternative therapies, policy design, behavioral and institutional change, and better approaches to AMR communication and stakeholder engagement. The One Health approach is increasingly advocated, but practical guidance for cross-sector collaboration and equitable integration is lacking.

This Research Topic aims to catalyze progress towards curbing AMR by fostering rigorous, solution-focused research and dialogue on bridging knowledge and implementation gaps across sectors. We seek to unite experts working on epidemiological surveillance, novel treatment options, policy integration, and the science-policy interface, highlighting proven and emerging strategies that address the diversity of AMR drivers. Contributions should critically evaluate existing activities and propose concrete actions to strengthen multisectoral collaboration, implementation, and accountability in AMR response. Emphasis will be placed on insights that advance the One Health paradigm and integrate equity, environmental/climate, and alternative treatment option considerations.

To gather further insights in AMR containment through intersectoral and One Health approaches, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Monitoring studies (not restricted to bacteria) coupled with practical multisectoral solutions
- Innovative or alternative treatment options, specifically on antimicrobial peptides
- Lessons learned from policy design and cross-sectoral integration
- Communication strategies, information system integration, and stakeholder engagement for AMR mitigation
- Drivers of AMR and targeted intervention strategies
- Environmental dimensions, reservoirs, and interventions for AMR
- Incorporating gender and equity considerations into AMR response activities
- Intersections between climate change and AMR emergence/spread
- Integration and advancement of One Health Antimicrobial Use/AMR surveillance systems

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Intersectoral action against AMR: bridging global implementation gaps by advancing integrated solutions and strengthening innovation and equity