AMR occurs when germs like bacteria, viruses and fungi evolve in ways that make the medicines used to treat them stop working. These germs can then cause resistant infections that can be difficult and sometimes impossible to treat.1

By 2050, it is estimated AMR will cause more deaths than cancer. 3

Proactive Infection Prevention

Improved hospital-based infection control, hygiene, and sanitation can prevent infections and reduce the use of antibiotics. Vaccination can reduce the inappropriate and overuse of antibiotics.

Stewardship

Antibiotics are too often used inappropriately, such as for treating viral infections. Better understanding is needed among healthcare providers and patients on the proper use of antimicrobials to ensure they are used only when relevant, at the appropriate dose, and for the right amount of time

Collaboration

Whether it is developing new antibiotics or improving awareness, stakeholders across the board must work together with no silos to find new ways to address these unmet needs. Governments must work together on AMR through surveillance networks, data sharing, and ensuring global supply chains. Each one will help provide broad and equitable access to diagnostics and medicines.

Access

Preserving the availability of a wide range of antibiotics is critical for ensuring doctors and patients have access to ideal treatment and avoid the suboptimal use of antibiotics. However, the sustained availability of some antibiotics is at risk due to unsustainable market dynamics. Many antibiotics are decades old and have been available as generics for years. In some cases, prices have dropped so low for these treatments that it is no longer viable for their manufacturers to continue making or selling them. With fewer companies making these drugs, there is a greater risk of shortages in the event of supply disruptions. To ensure continued access to a wide range of antimicrobials, we encourage policymakers and payers to foster a sustainable market for antibiotics, including older products.