Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted AMR as one of the top 10 threats to global health. It is severe in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs), where the burden of infectious diseases is higher. Compounding this problem in most LMICs is the issue of lack of access to effective antimicrobials alongside poor medicines legislation around the sale of antimicrobials. Studies from high-income countries suggest that antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) can improve antimicrobial use. However, these interventions are not directly applicable to LMICs because of different contextual and cultural issues that impact on antimicrobial use and could be potential barriers to the implementation of AMS in these settings. This session will discuss research on the innovative strategies that can be used to enhance AMS in LMICs. With dwindling funding in the pharmaceutical sector towards the development of new antibiotics because of the rise of AMR, it is important to learn how the strategy of AMS is key to preserving the future of antibiotics. This can be achieved by employing tools and methods from the behavioural and social sciences.
This session will also address pharmacists’ contributions to tackling AMR in low and middle-income countries. A pre-recorded 20-min presentation will be made available to PSWC registrants prior to the conference. During the live panel discussion, we will reflect on the topic, and there will be an interactive discussion with the attendees. Join us in this session to know the current updates on antimicrobial resistance and to explore how you can contribute to tackling antimicrobial resistance!
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New approaches to tackle antimicrobial resistance: antimicrobials and beyond
Teruo Kuroda (Hiroshima University, Japan)
Translating research into practice: Pharmacists’ roles to support antimicrobial stewardship -a focus on low- and middle-income countries
Eneyi Kpokiri (Nigeria) and Tarilate Temedia-Asogwa (Nigeria)
Tackling antimicrobial resistance through behaviour change approaches
Ayodeji Matuluko (Glasgow Caledonian University, UK)Â
Partnerships and collaborations in addressing antimicrobial resistance (Primary health care, secondary health care and community settings) – Panel discussion