Preventing and Controlling Global Antimicrobial Resistance — Implementing a Whole-System Approach

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a significant global public health issue, with the World Health Organization identifying it as one of the top 10 global health threats. In 2019, an estimated 1.3 million deaths were linked to bacterial AMR, with the gravest problem in western sub-Saharan Africa. Despite numerous calls for action, research has highlighted the importance of environmental and animal reservoirs of AMR and the development of potentially transformative technologies like nucleic acid amplification tests, whole-genome sequencing, and automated rapid diagnostics. Programs focused on antimicrobial and diagnostic stewardship have complemented ongoing health care-associated infection prevention and control efforts. However, the current situation is less encouraging, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where national action plans have not been implemented at scale or the emergence and spread of increasingly resistant microorganisms have not been slowed.