WAAW 2024: The world needs robust antimicrobial resistance surveillance systems

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant threat to human health, causing 1.27 million deaths in 2019 alone and 4.95 million deaths associated with drug-resistant infections. The World Health Organization’s 2015 Global Action Plan aims to enhance surveillance, infection prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship to mitigate AMR. The Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) has led these efforts globally, highlighting challenges like limited diagnostic capacity, workforce shortages, and inadequate information systems. Addressing these barriers is crucial to achieving the 2024 Political Declaration’s target of reducing AMR-related deaths by 10% by 2030. Establishing a new AMR surveillance system requires systematic processes, including a multidisciplinary team led by a microbiologist, engagement with local health authorities, and a Data Sharing Agreement. Data collected should undergo rigorous review for standardization and supplementary analyses to identify drivers of resistance. Results should be presented in a clear, accessible format, and disseminated through workshops, webinars, conferences, and digital platforms.