Stemming the Superbug Tide
Just A Few Dollars More
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a large and growing problem with the potential for enormous health and economic consequences, globally. As such, AMR has become a central issue at the top of the public health agenda of OECD countries and beyond. In this report, OECD used advanced techniques, including machine learning, ensemble modelling and a microsimulation model, to provide support for policy action in the human health sector. AMR rates are high and are projected to grow further, particularly for second- and third-line antibiotics, and if no effective action is taken this is forecasted to produce a significant health and economic burden in OECD and EU28 countries. This burden can be addressed by implementing effective public health initiatives. This report reviews policies currently in place in high-income countries and identifies a set of ‘best buys’ to tackle AMR that, if scaled up at the national level, would provide an affordable and cost-effective instrument in the fight against AMR.
Antimicrobial resistance: A frightening and complex public health challenge
This chapter introduces the background and history of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) including its biological underpinnings. It offers a comprehensive look at the leading causes and consequences of AMR. It highlights the multi-sectorial aspects of resistance development and spread and describes antibiotic use and misuse across a range of sectors. The chapter then provides a framework for understanding how AMR develops and leads to infections and provides intervention targets aimed to disrupt this process. Finally, the chapter concludes by highlighting the need for multi-sectorial and multi-national solutions. This chapter provides the reader with the foundation for the following analytical chapters.
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