AMR in Low and Middle Income Countries

Dear Colleagues,

Following an increase of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised AMR as a global health issue and foresees a substantial impact on mortality. At the research level, interest in AMR is spread across several fields, and a substantial research agenda has extended around AMR in the animals, environment, and plants. More research activities demonstrate linkages between environmental contamination and human infection with resistant pathogens. Further, a wide range of sectors and industries are developing an awareness of AMR and are responding to the challenge with a variety of interventions. 

The initiatives include campaigns targeting the global awareness of AMR and the encouragement of best practices among the general public, health workers and policymakers to avoid the further emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections. 

Five strategic objectives have been specified by the Global Action Plan, all of which are vital for achieving an implementation plan for a National AMR strategy. These objectives are as follows: (1) govern under a One Health structure, (2) strengthen surveillance for AMR and usage, (3) prevent infections through infection prevention, control measures and vaccination, (4) apply antimicrobial stewardship principles and (5) enhance strategic enablers of legislative and policy reform for the strengthening of health systems, education and workforce development, and research and communication. Concerningly, these plans may be present but not implemented at the country level.

With this Special Issue on AMR in the journal Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, we attempt to explain the situation in low- and middle-income countries, along with their activities related to AMR, and the integration of One Health programs in each country. Most importantly, we will present research on developing countries that lack resources. A question is raised: have investments been made to improve the surveillance of antibiotic use and resistance in humans, animals and environmental fields in low- and middle-income countries?

Within this issue, more information will be available on the critical gaps and gains in the overall AMR response.

Dr. Olga Perovic
Dr. Tom Decroo
Dr. Chakaya Muhwa Jeremiah
Guest Editors

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