Dr. Ranga Reddy Burri, Honorary Professor at the School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad, and President of the Infection Control Academy, contributed a seminal chapter on Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the recently published book titled “ACCELERATING GLOBAL HEALTH: Pathways to Health Equity for the G20.” More information about it cam be found at: https://www.orfonline.org/research/accelerating-global-health-pathways-to-health-equity-for-the-g20/.

The foreword for this important compendium was authored by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The editors of the book provided the following insights into this pivotal chapter: “In their contribution, Ranga Reddy Burri, Robert Skov, B.E. Pradeep, and Ralf Sudbrak offer an extensive overview of the escalating threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), which presents significant challenges to healthcare systems and the well-being of patients worldwide. Their essay delves deep into the complex facets of AMR, highlighting the crucial role of collaborative efforts, cost-effective interventions, alternative diagnostic methods, and innovative therapeutics in the battle against AMR. The analysis underscores the need for a comprehensive, multifaceted approach and calls for the active engagement of society as a whole in combating AMR.”

Dr. Ranga Reddy Burri

Furthermore, Dr. Reddy has the rare feat of contributing to two major policy advocacy documents this year. He highlighted that the University of Hyderabad, an Institute of Eminence (IOE), has consistently been at the forefront of cutting-edge research and the development of highly relevant courses for the protection of populations. The University of Hyderabad holds the distinction of being the first university in India and possibly the entire Global South to offer a postgraduate course in Infection Prevention and Control. This pioneering program, known as DIPC, has gained global recognition and attracts students from various countries. Dr. Reddy revealed his plans to collaborate with the University of Hyderabad to further strengthen the capacity of Infection Preventionists in containing Healthcare Associated Infections, addressing Antimicrobial Resistance, and effectively preparing for and responding to pandemics.

During the analysis session, he was able to trace the course of the Health Working Group initiatives since 2017 till 2023. He highlighted the priorities for health during the current term of India’s Presidency  and proposed the road map going into the Presidency of G20 in Brazil on health. He also conveyed the issues discussed in G20 Health Ministers Meeting at Gandhinagar, Gujarat as well as the important side events held along side the working group meetings.
Both of them expressed the hope that G20 member states were uniquely positioned to address urgent public health issues, and discuss these also in the summit meeting  in New Delhi on 9th and 10th September 2023. The importance of investing in robust health systems capable of addressing the numerous health challenges faced by the world, including antimicrobial resistance, the threat of future pandemics, One health umbrella strategy, vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and non communicable diseases control and management which account for seven out of every ten deaths worldwide was conveyed.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad Prof B.J. Rao and Dean of the School Prof. Geeta K Vemuganti conveyed their appreciation for these very important advocacy for policy initiatives.