Antimicrobial Resistance: Global Trends and Public Health Interventions

Authors: Dr. Bushra Sumra, Abdul Qadir Soomro

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14209161

Short DOI: https://doi.org/g8rrgp

Country: USA

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Abstract: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat of unprecedented scale, posing challenges across healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sectors. Defined as the ability of microorganisms to survive treatments that previously eliminated them, AMR leads to prolonged infections, higher mortality rates, and a surge in healthcare costs. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that without urgent intervention, AMR could lead to 10 million deaths annually by 2050, eclipsing fatalities from major diseases like cancer.In low- and middle-income nations, where access to high-quality healthcare and medications is still uneven and regulatory constraints are frequently laxer, the effects of AMR are most acute.
This paper strategically examines and dissects global trends in AMR, with a focus on high-resistance pathogens, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus, which pose growing threats in regions including Asia, Africa, and Europe. Factors driving AMR include antibiotic misuse in healthcare, excessive application in agriculture, and inadequate regulatory oversight.Due to globalisation, the spread of resistant bacterial strains has accelerated and is now a cross-continental problem that requires extensive and well-coordinated intervention.
A number of public health initiatives are examined, with an emphasis on their advantages and disadvantages. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) have proven highly effective in reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions, thereby slowing resistance rates within healthcare facilities. Surveillance programs, such as WHO's Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS), provide neccessary data for identifying high-risk regions and guiding policy. Infection prevention and control (IPC) techniques, such vaccination and improved sanitation, play a preventive function by reducing illness rates and, in turn, the demand for antibiotics. By raising knowledge of the dangers of AMR, public education initiatives, such as the CDC's "Get Smart" campaign, seek to decrease the use of non-prescription antibiotics.
Despite these initiatives, there are still difficulties, especially in carrying out and maintaining these interventions on a worldwide scale. Progress is hampered by a lack of finance, regulatory limitations, and the need for innovation, particularly in areas with poor healthcare infrastructure. Furthermore, in resource limited settings, where antibiotics are crucial for treating infections but abuse brings about resistance, striking a balance between access to and stewardship of antibiotics poses a big challenge.
To address AMR effectively, a multi-pronged, globally united response is critical. Along with improved surveillance and policy frameworks, it will be crucial to invest in research for novel antibiotics and alternative treatments. In order to guarantee the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations, this study emphasises the necessity of consistent action against AMR and promotes stricter regulatory laws, increased public awareness, and international cooperation.

Keywords: -

Paper Id: 231656

Published On: 2020-09-02

Published In: Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2020

Cite This: Antimicrobial Resistance: Global Trends and Public Health Interventions - Dr. Bushra Sumra, Abdul Qadir Soomro - IJIRMPS Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2020. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.14209161

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