Augmenting approaches to AMR prevention: a case for environmental sustainability within the WHO core components for infection prevention and control

This study highlights that while antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in healthcare settings is mainly addressed through antimicrobial stewardship, environmental factors—such as pollution and waste—remain largely overlooked. By reviewing global literature and WHO guidance, the authors found strong overlap between infection prevention and control (IPC) and environmental sustainability goals. They propose integrating sustainability into the eight WHO IPC core components through a One Health approach, supported by a theorized causal pathway. The paper concludes that aligning IPC, stewardship, and sustainability can accelerate AMR mitigation in hospitals and make health facility programs more effective and holistic.