Resolves of the Executive Council

Resolved, That the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, meeting in Salt Lake City February 13-15, 2020, acknowledges that the Church has an important role to play in taking action against the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR); and be it further

Resolved, That “Antimicrobial Resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health, food security, and development today” (World Health Organization, 2018), leading to more than 2.8 million infections and 35,000 deaths in the United States annually, and over 700,000 deaths annually around the world; and be it further

Resolved, That, as no new classes of antibiotics have been formulated since the 1980s, and the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in the food industry has risen dramatically world-wide, contributing significantly to the dramatic surge in AMR, education of governments, industry, healthcare professionals, and individuals for the proper use of antibiotics is one of the highest priorities in the battle against AMR; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council sees the 2020 Lambeth Conference as an ideal opportunity to raise the issue of AMR as a critical issue that can be addressed by cooperation between Anglican Provinces, mobilizing diocesan and parochial structures to further the work of non-governmental organizations and health providers as they seek to reduce the threat of AMR; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council urges the Church to work with other faith-based groups to respond to this crisis and to take action to address related crises, partnering when possible to develop responses jointly that will help people around the world; and be it further

Resolved, That the Executive Council urges support for funding of antimicrobial resistance research, responsible use of antibiotics, and public health systems that provide assistance for all people.