On the occasion of the 72nd World Health Assembly, during which antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was one of the priority topics on the agenda, the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) announced the contribution made by the Prince’s Government to support its program for the control of neonatal sepsis in South Africa, where antimicrobial resistance is a major problem.
Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death and disability among children. More than half of all deaths in children under 5 are in newborns (up to 28 days). Drug-resistant infections are estimated to cause 214,000 deaths from neonatal sepsis per year. The increase in antimicrobial resistance further aggravates the situation.
“The GARDP wishes to thank the Principality of Monaco for its support,” said Dr. Manica Balasegarem, Director of GARDP. “This funding addresses an urgent need for public health: the development of antibiotics for the treatment of sepsis in newborns. The clinical trial network in South Africa will also be part of a platform world of antibiotics for children.”
Monegasque funding will allow the development of new antibiotic treatments, as well as a scientific database for the effective use of antibiotics to improve the medical care of newborns and children.
“Monaco is delighted to be part of the concert of countries supporting this GARDP initiative,” said Bénédicte Schutz, Director of International Cooperation of the Prince’s Government. “The reduction of infant mortality, which we are talking about here, remains an axis of priority intervention of the official development aid of the Principality, and we are happy that South Africa, a partner country of the Monegasque Cooperation, is at the heart of this initiative.”