Antibiotic shortages are fuelling antimicrobial resistance

  23 May 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global concern, with shortages of first-line antibiotics contributing to the “silent pandemic.” These shortages often lead to overuse of specialized or reserved substitutes, increasing the risk of drug resistance and making infections more difficult to treat. AMR is one of the world’s biggest killers, responsible for an estimated 1.27 million deaths in 2019. The global response to this crisis has mainly focused on developing new antibiotics. However, there is room to reduce AMR deaths and its impact on health by addressing the causes of shortages and improving access to appropriate treatments. Antibiotics are often more complex, costly, and less profitable than other drugs, leading to reduced or stopped antibiotic research and development. Improved market intelligence and better coordination of supply chain management can help reduce risks and increase production. Additionally, countries, particularly lower-income ones, can improve their procurement, registration, and management of essential antibiotics. Initiatives like SECURE aim to work with countries to improve access to essential antibiotics.

Further reading: The Jordan Times
Author(s): Manica Balasegaram
Effective Surveillance  
Back

OUR UNDERWRITERS

Unrestricted financial support by:

Antimicrobial Resistance Fighter Coalition

Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre

INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS & ASSOCIATIONS

BD





AMR NEWS

Every two weeks in your inbox

Because there should be one newsletter that brings together all One Health news related to antimicrobial resistance: AMR NEWS!

Subscribe

What is going on with AMR?
Stay tuned with remarkable global AMR news and developments!

Keep me informed