NZAMRnet
Strengthening New Zealand's AMR Defence
About Us
Our Challenge
Our Purpose
Become a Member
We bring together an expert community to contribute to the global fight against the threat of drug-resistant infections.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most urgent health challenges of our time, threatening the effectiveness of medicines, the safety of medical procedures, and the wellbeing of communities, animals, and the environment. In Aotearoa New Zealand, hundreds of lives are lost each year to drug-resistant infections. If we do not act now, globally, these infections could cause up to 10 million deaths every year by 2050 – becoming the leading cause of mortailty, higher than cancer.
The Aotearoa, New Zealand AMR Network (NZAMRNet) brings together an expert community to contribute to the global fight against the threat of drug-resistant infections. This multi-stakeholder network aims to inspire and support enablers of the fight against AMR, aligning with both regional and global initiatives and drive real impact for Aotearoa and beyond.
AMR is a convergence of multiple crises
NZAMRNet will strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and identify and build advocacy for priority activities that will drive evidence-based national action towards these four challenges.
Crisis of Access
Most patients globally (including in Aotearoa New Zealand) lack access to the latest antibiotics, with new treatments often available only in a handful of high-income countries; access is especially poor in low- and middle-income regions, where the burden of AMR is highest.
Crisis of Investment
The economic model for antimicrobials development is broken – without substantial up-front incentives, investment in novel antimicrobials is not financially viable, leading to a shrinking pool of developers and frequent company failures.
Crisis of Innovation
The pipeline for new antibiotics is alarmingly thin, with only a handful of truly innovative drugs in development compared to the scale of the threat, and high failure rates in research and development.
Crisis of People
There is a global shortage of AMR researchers – only about 3,000 active scientists focus on antibiotic resistance, compared to over 45,000 in cancer research, and the number of related publications has declined significantly over recent decades.
Our Purpose
01
Driving Impact
Accelerate the implementation of activities towards the New Zealand AMR Action Plan, by providing evidence to inform progress and decision-making.
02
Enabling Innovation
Foster collaboration and innovation to develop new solutions, improve stewardship, and safeguard the effectiveness of life-saving antimicrobials.
03
Empowering Change
Advocate for awareness, education and policy change, empowering all New Zealanders to play a role in the fight against AMR.
Our Objectives
Build a Connected Community
Advance Research and Innovation
Strengthen Surveillance and Stewardship
Empower and Educate
Advocate for Policy and Investment
Become
a Member
Join NZAMRnet to help shape the future fight against AMR in Aotearoa New Zealand. Connect, collaborate, and innovate with leaders across sectors to drive meaningful change. Join a collective advocating for strong, evidence-based policies, and public awareness to ensure antimicrobials remain effective for all.
Collaborate, innovate, and lead the change.
NZAMRNet
NZAMRNet is building a community of people and organisations committed to tackling antimicrobial resistance in Aotearoa – contact us to learn more and stay connected.
Address
Thomas Building Extension
Bldg 110N, 3a Symonds Street
Auckland Central,
Auckland, 1010, New Zealand