April 12, 2024
Overview:
OHT’s Dr. Ramanan Laxminarayan and co-authors came together for World Health Day to write about the need for a multifaceted approach to global health issues. Dr. Laxminarayan addressed the issue of Antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR is a major global health threat that happens when bacteria, fungi, or parasites no longer respond to medicines meant to stop them. The causes of AMR are complex and widespread, so tackling it requires a broad, multifaceted approach—focusing on just one solution won’t be enough.
The question:
What approaches can help reduce the number of lives lost to AMR infections each year?
The findings:
- Ensuring equal access to antibiotics: The first step is making sure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can access affordable and effective antibiotics. Many deaths occur simply because people can’t get the basic antibiotics they need.
- Change the narrative about AMR: AMR is complex, it’s not impossible to address. Preventing infections in the first place through better vaccination, improved water and sanitation, and stronger infection control in hospitals is key. If we prevent infections, we reduce the need for antibiotics.
- Invest in better tools: We need more investment in new vaccines, drugs, and diagnostic tools. These tools must be affordable and accessible for the people who need them most.
- Set global targets and measure progress: Success depends on setting clear, measurable goals worldwide, along with systems to hold everyone accountable and ensure there is enough funding. Accurate measurement of progress is essential to tackle AMR effectively.
Read the article in Med here.
