The World Health Organisation has released a package of 13 interventions to guide prioritisation when developing, implementing and monitoring action plans on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – which kills millions worldwide every year – aimed at tackling patients’ needs and barriers through a people-centred approach.
Globally, AMR is one of the leading causes of death, responsible for around 1.27m deaths, and associated with 4.95m deaths, in 2019.
Failing to address AMR will have significant economic consequences with an estimated cost to the world’s economy of $100trn by 2050.
Although more than 170 countries have developed national action plans on AMR, implementation remains fragmented and siloed, and greater political commitment and investment is needed, said the agency.
Building on the Global Action Plan for AMR, the WHO people-centred approach and core package aims place the needs of people and system barriers at the centre, and enhance AMR awareness and understanding among policy-makers and the general public.
It also supports a more programmatic and comprehensive response to AMR at the country level, underpinning the importance of equitable and affordable access to quality health services for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant infections.
The document also stresses the importance of engaging civil society and community organisations, private sector and academia in the development and implementation of the national action plan on AMR, and highlights opportunities for integrating the response in primary healthcare policies and programmes as well as health emergency preparedness and response efforts.
WHO AMR 9789240082496-eng
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
AMR in Africa spikes with inappropriate antibiotic use
WHO urges action to stem rising AMR as experts call for new neonatal drugs
Urgent need for more funds to fight AMR drug resistance