The global antimicrobial resistance response effort must not exclude marginalised populations

Adebisi, Y.A. and Ogunkola, I.O. (2023) The global antimicrobial resistance response effort must not exclude marginalised populations. Tropical Medicine and Health, 51(1), 33. (doi: 10.1186/s41182-023-00524-w) (PMID:37287083) (PMCID:PMC10245439)

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a rising global health crisis causing about 700,000 deaths annually and potentially 10 million deaths by 2050, disproportionately impacts marginalised populations. Due to socioeconomic, ethnic, geographic, and other barriers, these communities often have restricted healthcare access, compounding the AMR threat. Unequal access to effective antibiotics, inadequate living conditions, and a lack of awareness exacerbate the crisis in marginalised communities, making them more susceptible to AMR. A broader, inclusive response is needed to ensure equitable access to antibiotics, improved living conditions, education, and policy changes to challenge the root socio-economic disparities. Ignoring marginalised populations in the fight against AMR is both a moral and strategic failure. Therefore, inclusivity must be a central tenet in combating AMR. This article not only critically dissects this prevailing oversight but also urgently calls for comprehensive action to address this significant shortcoming in our response efforts.

• Item Type: Articles (Letter)
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Adebisi, Yusuff Adebayo
• Authors: Adebisi, Y.A., and Ogunkola, I.O.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences
• Journal Name: Tropical Medicine and Health
• Publisher: BioMed Central
• ISSN: 1348-8945
• ISSN (Online): 1348-8945
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © The Author(s) 2023
• First Published: First published in Tropical Medicine and Health 51(1):33
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence