E X P E R T I N S I G H T S
“ AMR transcends national boundaries , necessitating international collaboration .”
vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus ( VRE ), as urgent threats to global health . These resistant bacteria complicate treatment , increase healthcare costs , and lead to longer hospital stays and higher mortality rates .
Implications for Global Health
The impact of AMR is profound and far-reaching . Infections that were once easily treatable are now dangerous and challenging to manage . Routine medical procedures , from surgeries to cancer treatments , become high-risk endeavours if underlying infections are resistant to treatment . The prospect of a " post-antibiotic era ," where common infections become untreatable , looms
large , threatening to reverse many public health advances .
In low and middle-income countries , where healthcare access is limited and regulatory frameworks may be weaker , the consequences of AMR are particularly severe . Overuse of antibiotics in agriculture and lax sale of prescription medications exacerbate the problem , creating a vicious cycle where ineffective treatments lead to more severe infections and greater economic strain .
Economic and Societal Impact
The economic burden of AMR is substantial . Treatment failures result in longer hospital stays , more expensive drugs , and increased need for intensive care . According to a 2020 study by the Review on Antimicrobial Resistance , if unaddressed , AMR could cost the global economy up to $ 100 trillion by 2050 . Beyond direct costs , there are significant societal impacts : increased mortality and morbidity place a heavy burden on families and communities . Additionally , the potential collapse of critical healthcare systems in the face of rising AMR risks economic stability and social well-being .
Addressing the Crisis
Combating AMR requires a multifaceted approach :
• Stewardship Programs : Effective stewardship involves the judicious use of antimicrobials in healthcare
32
BioVoiceNews | October 2024