Reducing antimicrobial resistance by practicing better infection prevention and control

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Global Health Security

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted global health systems.
• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical and escalating threat to public health worldwide.
• The intersection of pandemics and AMR requires urgent attention and coordinated strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize discussions on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antimicrobial resistance.
• To highlight key findings and recommendations from a UN General Assembly side event.
• To underscore the need for global collaboration in addressing the AMR crisis.

Main Methods:

• Summary of a high-level event.
• Discussion synthesis from international experts.
• Review of pandemic-related impacts on AMR surveillance and stewardship.

Main Results:

• The pandemic exacerbated antimicrobial resistance through increased antimicrobial use and reduced infection control.
• Disruptions in healthcare services have hindered AMR monitoring and management efforts.
• There is a critical need for integrated approaches to tackle both pandemics and AMR.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the antimicrobial resistance crisis.
• Strengthened global cooperation and investment are essential to mitigate AMR.
• Proactive strategies are required to prevent future health threats from worsening AMR.