Syria’s intersecting crises exacerbate antimicrobial resistance

In the context of Syria’s prolonged conflict and humanitarian crises, the authors show how war-driven collapse of infrastructure, healthcare systems and governance has dramatically worsened the spread and impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Conflict-related factors — including breakdown of regulation, unregulated access to antibiotics, overwhelmed hospitals, poor infection control, population displacement, deteriorated water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, environmental pollution and disrupted public health systems — all contribute to the uncontrolled rise and transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms across communities and healthcare settings. The paper argues that AMR in Syria is not just a medical issue but a cross-sectoral challenge requiring coordinated action across health, environmental, regulatory and humanitarian sectors. Only through strong leadership, investments in surveillance, infection prevention and control, antibiotic stewardship, WASH and governance can the AMR threat in Syria be meaningfully addressed.