April 30, 2025
Governments across the world have pledged to act on the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). But how much national action is needed to make a difference?
This study, co-authored by OHT’s Dr. Eli Klein, set out to answer that question by analyzing data from 73 countries. The researchers looked at how different levels of national action on AMR in 2016 were linked to trends in key health indicators over time including health system strength, antibiotic use, resistance levels, and a combined Drug Resistance Index.
The Question:
What level of national action is associated with better outcomes in tackling AMR?
The Findings:
Countries that took stronger and more sustained action saw better results such as slower growth in AMR, lower antibiotic use, and stronger health infrastructure including infection prevention and control. These positive associations held true even when adjusting income level, population density, livestock production, and climate.
The study highlights that meaningful progress against AMR isn’t just about having a plan, it’s about consistent, high-level action over time.
Read the article in PLOS Global Public Health here.
