What is this article about?

The article is about the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the burden of disease globally and in South Africa. We discuss which bacterial and fungal organisms, and resistance profiles, are of particular concern. We also talk about AMR from a One Health perspective. We explain in the article why AMR is a One Health problem and the progress made in each of the sectors. We also mention the central role that surveillance plays in understanding AMR and the important components of integrated One Health surveillance. We have included some recommendations at all levels of society to tackle AMR.

Why does this matter?

AMR is an important global health crisis. In 2019, it was estimated that 1.2 million people died of bacterial AMR. If we do not change how we tackle this health issue, it could result in 169 million deaths over the next 25 years. AMR affects people of all age groups, from newborn babies to the elderly. It can be seen in hospitalised people and in the community. From a One Health perspective, it can affect our food supply (animal and plant), and AMR can contaminate water and the environment, meaning that it can spread to people in this way.

What drew your interest to this area of research?

At the Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses (CHARM), we are the designated centre at the NICD conducting surveillance on bacterial and fungal AMR. We have noticed an increasing prevalence of AMR in these organisms over the years. Unfortunately, AMR is often called the “silent pandemic” because it causes the same number of deaths as other important global health issues, but it does not receive the same attention, resources, and funding.

We have written this opinion piece to raise greater awareness amongst the general public, policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and colleagues in the animal, plant, and environmental sectors about AMR.

What was your role in the article?

I am the lead author of the opinion piece.

Why should people read this article?

People should read this article because antibiotic resistance affects everyone, and understanding it is the first step towards protecting our health. The article explains what’s happening, why it matters, and what can be done to keep antibiotics working. It is not a problem that requires commitment only from doctors and healthcare workers. The role of civil society is highlighted in the article, as is the role of government. The article also graphically demonstrates the important aspects of integrated surveillance for AMR, which would be important for policymakers and researchers involved in AMR. 

What impact do you hope the article will have on public health policy and healthcare access?

We hope the article encourages policymakers to see how important it is for all sectors – human health, animal health, and the environment – to work together to tackle antibiotic resistance. By clearly showing the gaps and opportunities, we hope it supports better surveillance, smarter use of antibiotics, and fair access to the medicines needed to treat serious infections. We also hope it sparks action among the general public and civil society, empowering people to get involved and support efforts to reduce antibiotic resistance.

Prof. Vindana Chibabhai is the head of the Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.

For a more in-depth look into this captivating policy brief, download the full article below.