The impact of Antimicrobial Resistance in South Africa

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) happens when viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites evolve over time and stop responding to medicines, making infections tough to treat and raising the risk of disease spread, serious illness, and death.

By the numbers: In South Africa in 2021, there were –

• 77,784 deaths from bacterial infections
• 35,054 deaths associated with bacterial AMR
• 8,485 Deaths attributed to bacterial AMR

5,003 deaths were associated with AMR in children under 5, with 1,112 of those being directly attributable to AMR.

The Role of Vaccines in Controlling AMR

• Reduce infections by providing individual protection and promoting herd immunity.
• Prevention of infections reduces the spread of drug-resistant germs and the need for treatment with antibiotics.
• Reduce healthcare costs and prevent catastrophic expenses for families.

Top Recommendations to Leverage Vaccines in the Fight to Control AMR in South Africa for the National Department of Health

• Prioritize vaccines that can mitigate the health and economic impacts of AMR, including vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus, tuberculosis, and pneumococcal disease.
• Incorporate available infant typhoid conjugate vaccines to reduce cases of typhoid fever in children and antibiotic use.
• Introduce a life course vaccination program to improve the quality of life and reduce the additional health and economic burden from drug-resistant infections in vulnerable groups.
• Prioritize the equitable provision and access to vaccines.

Top Recommendations to Leverage Vaccines in the Fight to Control AMR in South Africa for AMR and Immunization Stakeholders

Quantify the economic benefits of mitigating AMR through vaccination

Integrate AMR and Vaccine research to increase the body of national-level data and inform strategies for AMR control.

Prioritize education and awareness campaigns on the full benefit of vaccination.

Leverage the pharmacy workforce in strategies to facilitate immunization and antimicrobial stewardship.

Learn more in the GARP-South Africa policy brief here.