Melissa Gong Mitchell
Secretariat Lead,
AMR Industry Alliance
Senior Managing Director,
High Lantern Group
As Canada celebrates World Microbiome Day, it’s an opportunity to shine a light on the often-overlooked intersection between gut health and one of the most pressing health challenges of our time: antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
AMR is no longer a distant threat—it’s here, and growing. In 2019 alone, drug-resistant bacterial infections caused an estimated 1.27 million deaths globally and contributed to nearly 5 million overall. Central to this crisis is the waning effectiveness of antibiotic treatments, accelerated by misuse and overuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and agriculture, which in turn drives the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens. These superbugs are increasingly difficult to treat, putting modern medicine—from routine surgeries to cancer treatment—at serious risk.
What does this have to do with the microbiome? Quite a lot. Our gut microbiome defends against infection, supports the immune system, and helps our bodies respond appropriately to treatments, including antibiotics. Any antibiotic treatment will have an impact on the gut microbiome, but inappropriate use of antibiotics can prove particularly disruptive to this delicate balance.
The challenge is vast, but so is the momentum. Last year’s UN High-level Meeting on AMR brought international attention to the urgency of coordinated, cross-sector action. In Canada, the government, researchers and innovators are exploring AMR surveillance programs, precision diagnostics, and stewardship initiatives to address AMR, among other priorities outlined in the Pan-Canadian Action Plan on AMR.
At the forefront of global efforts to combat AMR is the AMR Industry Alliance, one of the largest private sector coalitions dedicated to tackling AMR. With close to 100 member companies across the biotech, diagnostics, generics, and pharmaceutical sectors, the Alliance is committed to developing sustainable solutions that reduce resistance. From supporting the antimicrobial research ecosystem to creating responsible manufacturing standards that limit the environmental spread of resistance, the Alliance is driving action where it matters most.
On World Microbiome Day, we encourage Canadians to understand the role antibiotics and AMR play in their personal well-being but also as a critical component to their gut health. Small actions—like taking antibiotics as prescribed and being mindful of antimicrobial resistance—can make a global impact. The choices we make today can help preserve the power of antibiotics for generations to come.
To learn more, visit amrindustryalliance.org.
