AMR and Conflict: National security amid rising tide of drug-resistant infections – lessons from Ukraine

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant issue resulting from armed conflicts, with over 80% of patients in Ukraine infected with antibiotic-resistant microbes. The UK’s deployment of peacekeeping troops to Ukraine increases the risk of AMR entering the NHS. Previous conflicts in Afghanistan and Libya have shown that evacuation chains transporting injured soldiers create pathways for resistant microbes to enter NHS hospitals. The UK’s National Security Strategy offers a chance to prioritize AMR as a standalone focus, ensuring a more strategic response.