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Epidemiology

Equity-Centred Human Health Surveillance Crucial in Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research led by LVCT Health has highlighted the significance of incorporating equity considerations into antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data systems. According to the study, this approach can enhance understanding of who is most affected by AMR and why, informing effective responses. The study suggests that building on existing global AMR surveillance systems, such as the World Health Organisation's (WHO) Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS), can facilitate the use of equity indicators and provide a foundation for more inclusive and responsive AMR analysis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study emphasizes the importance of equity-centred human health surveillance in addressing AMR, highlighting the need to consider variables such as location of residence, education level, occupation, socio-economic status, disability, and ethnicity.
  • The research concludes that incorporating equity considerations into AMR data systems can strengthen the design, implementation, and targeting of interventions, supporting more responsive health systems and contributing to AMR solutions that are not only scientifically sound but also socially inclusive.
  • The study also underscores the importance of combining academic and pragmatic knowledge systems to co-produce insights that are directly relevant to communities and decision makers.
  • The research draws on transdisciplinary collaboration, involving public health experts, social scientists, implementers, and policy makers from multiple countries, highlighting the value of social science perspectives in improving understanding of AMR beyond purely biomedical terms.
  • The study highlights the role of the Fleming Fund's (2025) global portfolio under Gender and Equity within Antimicrobial Resistance (GEAR up) (GEAR up, 2024) in catalysing action on equity within AMR through mainstreaming gender and equity within routine AMR systems and structures.

Statistics:

  • The study suggests that routine collection and use of disaggregated data, such as sex, age, and socio-economic status, can improve design of inclusive, targeted interventions across sectors.
  • 85% of those affected by AMR are in low- and middle-income countries, where limited resources and infrastructure can exacerbate the issue.
  • The study reports that 70% of global AMR data comes from health facilities, highlighting the need for community-level and community-led approaches to better reflect diverse realities and patterns of AMR across populations and contexts.

Sources:

  • Equity, data and the surveillance gap in antimicrobial resistance: A call for inclusive action. CABI One Health, 2025,4(1).
  • Fleming Fund's (2025) global portfolio under Gender and Equity within Antimicrobial Resistance (GEAR up) (GEAR up, 2024).
  • World Health Organisation's (WHO) Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS).

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