Combating the Emergence and Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance

A Workshop to Strengthen Faith-Based Engagement

December 12-15, 2016
Location: Rome, Italy

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the acquired ability by microbes to survive and grow in the presence of drugs meant to treat the infections they cause. AMR is a growing global threat that, left unaddressed, threatens to undermine the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, including ending poverty, ending hunger, ensuring healthy lives, and reducing inequality. Infection with drug-resistant diseases can cause longer and more complicated illnesses, increased doctor visits, the need for the use of stronger and more expensive drugs, and can ultimately lead to more deaths.

This workshop, hosted in Rome, Italy, served as a forum for Catholic faith-based organizations, including health associations, to jointly identify and develop individual and collaborative actions to combat the emergence and spread AMR. Workshop participants included individuals with expertise in fields ranging from medicine and education to communications and logistics to help address the challenges facing these sectors across the globe.

This event was co-sponsored by the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs, Caritas Internationalis, the U.S. Department of State, the GHR Foundation, and Georgetown University.

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Ambassador Kenneth Hackett opens the workshop.

A participant listens.

Participants engage in table discussions.

Two participants listen to a panel presentation.

Three participants enjoy an informal conversation.

Workshop participants pose for a rooftop group photo.

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About Ken Hackett

Ken Hackett served as U.S. ambassador to the Holy See from 2013 until his retirement in January 2017. He previously was the president of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) from 2003 until his 2011 retirement, having served as CRS executive director since 1993. Hackett began his career at CRS in 1972, serving throughout Asia and Africa, and was a leader in the organization's response to the 1984-1985 Ethiopian famine and crisis in Somalia in the early 1990s. He has also served as North America president of Caritas Internationalis and as a board member of the Millennium Challenge Corporation from 2004 to 2009. In addition, Hackett has advised the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on migration and international policy issues and was a member of the board of the Pontifical Commission Cor Unum. In 2004 he was honored with the title Knight Commander of the Papal Order of Saint Gregory the Great.

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Related Publication

Report November 13, 2017

Combating the Emergence and Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance: A Workshop to Strengthen Faith-Based Engagement

Faith-based organizations are important actors for the success of efforts to address antimicrobial resistance and associated impacts of such illnesses. This report assembles the “Call to Action” developed by meeting participants, lessons shared, and information to support similar workshops.