Antimicrobial resistance surveillance and trends in armed conflict, fragile, and non-conflict countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region

The WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region faces significant social, economic, and demographic challenges, with nearly half of its countries affected by conflicts that disrupt health systems. A study comparing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates and surveillance efforts in conflict-affected, fragile, and non-conflict countries found that conflict-affected countries had weaker AMR surveillance and lower detection rates of BC-BSIs per million population. In conflict zones, Acinetobacter spp. and S. aureus represented a higher proportion of BSIs compared to non-conflict countries. Tailored strategies are needed to restore infrastructure, strengthen surveillance, and mitigate the long-term impact of AMR in these zones.