Worldwide Antimicrobial Resistance Escalation Rooted in Growing Inequality Fuels Bacterial Outbreaks
Unequal Impact of Antimicrobial Resistance Across Society
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), estimated to have caused 1.27 million deaths in 2019 alone, unevenly affects various demographics and geographies. Understanding the socio-economic drivers responsible for this disparity is essential for developing effective strategies to combat the problem.
The World Economic Forum's recently published report provides insights into the socio-economic determinants and impacts of AMR, overwhelmingly highlighting the disparities witnessed among women, urban populations, and low-income countries.
Vulnerable Populations
Women: Biological factors make women more susceptible to specific infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), leading to heightened exposure to antibiotics and potential resistance. Additionally, societal norms and roles can pose barriers to timely access to healthcare services, exacerbating these risks in low-resource settings.
Urban Populations: While detailed data on urban versus rural populations is not provided, densely populated urban environments are particularly vulnerable to the spread of resistant bacteria due to their high population densities. Increased access to healthcare services in urban areas may contribute to higher antibiotic usage.
Low-Income Countries: Challenges in these regions primarily revolve around limited access to quality healthcare and inadequate treatment practices. Overuse or misuse of antibiotics, driven by a lack of regulation and oversight, significantly contributes to AMR. Moreover, resource constraints hinder the implementation of effective surveillance and monitoring systems for AMR.
Economically Disadvantaged and Socially Marginalized Populations
Socio-economic factors that contribute to AMR include limited access to clean water and sanitation in low-income settings, poor antibiotic stewardship, existing healthcare inequalities, and economic constraints that lead to unmonitored antibiotic use.
To address the disparities, a multifaceted approach is required, focusing on improving access to healthcare, enhancing antibiotic stewardship, and addressing existing socio-economic inequalities. This includes improving healthcare provision, enhancing regulatory frameworks around antibiotic use, and addressing underlying socio-economic factors that drive AMR.
Simultaneously, policymakers are encouraging greater international collaboration to counter AMR. The upcoming UN General Assembly high-level meeting is expected to result in a political declaration on global AMR priorities and commitments. The gathering will undoubtedly shed light on the urgent need to move beyond the traditional "drugs and bugs" approach to antimicrobial resistance towards a more holistic, people-centered, and equity-oriented approach for implementing effective polices and strategies.
[1] School of Public Health, Bielefeld University
[5] Georgetown Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University
[5] Centre for Nanoporous Materials, The University of Manchester
- Science has a crucial role in understanding and addressing the unequal impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across society.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the need for medical advancements to combat AMR and reduce its impacts on vulnerable populations.
- Chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease and cancer can be exacerbated by AMR, making it essential to develop therapies that consider this factor.
- Improvements in respiratory conditions can be indirectly influenced by AMR reduction, as antibiotic resistance can worsen existing respiratory infections.
- Health and wellness advocates stress the importance of lifestyle changes, such as fitness and exercise, for maintaining a robust immune system against AMR.
- Climate change poses additional challenges to global health, as warmer temperatures can lead to increased antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
- Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thereby mitigating the impact of climate change on health and AMR.
- Mental health practitioners recognize the impact of stress and anxiety on the immune system, and they advocate for mental health support to strengthen our collective defense against AMR.
- Cardiovascular health is closely linked to AMR, as cardiovascular diseases can weaken the body's ability to fight bacterial infections.
- The industry plays a significant role in AMR, with drug companies producing antimicrobial agents and devices that may contribute to resistance development.
- CBD, a compound derived from cannabis, is currently being researched for potential applications in treating AMR and supporting overall health and wellness.
- Environmental science must consider the role of ecosystems in the emergence, spread, and resistance of pathogens to better inform policymakers and the public about AMR.
- Finance plays a crucial role in global AMR efforts, with investments in research, infrastructure, and education necessary to address the issue effectively.
- Energy consumption is indirectly connected to AMR, as increased energy use can facilitate the production and distribution of antibiotics, potentially leading to their overuse.
- Embracing sustainable living practices, such as cooking at home and reducing meat consumption, can help mitigate the effects of AMR due to their positive impact on the environment.
- Lifestyle choices, like outdoor living, can influence an individual's susceptibility to AMR, as exposure to natural environments may boost immune function.
- Fashion and beauty trends can impact AMR, with some products containing antibiotics that may contribute to resistance development.
- The food and drink industry must prioritize safe food handling practices to minimize antibiotic residues and reduce the potential for AMR development.
- Family dynamics can factor into AMR, as intergenerational health issues, such as chronic diseases, may influence antibiotic usage patterns.
- Investing in antimicrobial stewardship programs and antibiotic alternatives can yield returns in the long run by reducing healthcare costs associated with treating AMR.
- Wealth management firms may encourage sustainable and responsible investments that align with the goals of reducing AMR and promoting overall health and wellness.
- Home and garden improvements that prioritize sustainable practices, such as rainwater collection systems and eco-friendly landscaping, can contribute to reducing AMR indirectly.
- Businesses must adhere to environmental regulations to minimize their contribution to the development of AMR, as industrial waste can contaminate water sources and soil.
- Personal finance education can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare and lifestyle choices, which in turn can help manage AMR risks.
- Global cuisines can provide unique insights into the relationship between food, culture, and AMR, highlighting the need for culinary practices that promote health and wellness.
- Real estate developers can contribute to AMR reduction by implementing green building practices, such as encouraging walkable communities and improving indoor air quality.
- Data and cloud computing can help track the spread and development of AMR, enabling researchers to identify trends and develop targeted interventions.
- Sustainable living advocates emphasize the importance of mindfulness, shopping wisely, maintaining car maintenance, focusing on career development, and embracing electric vehicles for a more AMR-conscious lifestyle.
