AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and become unresponsive to drugs. It is one of the greatest threats to global public health and development, with nearly 5 million associated deaths each year. The main cause is the misuse and overuse of antibiotics.
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Vaccines are an essential part of global efforts to reduce AMR because they prevent infectious diseases, reduce the use and overuse of antibiotics, and slow the emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogens.
the power of vaccines
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “Tackling antimicrobial resistance starts with preventing infectious diseases, and vaccines are one of the most powerful tools we have for doing so.”
The report reveals that vaccines against 24 pathogens could reduce the number of antibiotics needed by 22 percent, or 2.5 billion prescribed doses per day worldwide each year, to combat AMR. The aim is to support international efforts to
Some of these vaccines are already available but underutilized, while others need to be developed and brought to market as soon as possible.
Preventing deaths and increasing access to vaccines
The report expands on a WHO study published last year. The report found that vaccines already in use against pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), which causes pneumonia and meningitis, and typhoid fever could avert up to 106,000 AMR-related deaths annually. We estimate that there is a possibility.
New vaccines against tuberculosis (TB) and Klebsiella pneumoniae, if developed and rolled out around the world, could prevent an additional 543,000 associated deaths each year.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “Prevention is better than cure, and increasing access to existing vaccines and developing new vaccines for serious diseases such as tuberculosis will save lives and turn the tide on AMR.” It is extremely important for this purpose.”
Additionally, vaccinated people have fewer infections and are protected from potential complications from secondary infections that may require antibiotics or hospitalization.
For example, the WHO noted that if 90% of the world’s children were vaccinated along with older adults, annual vaccination against pneumococcus could save 33 million antibiotic doses. .
Declaration of action
Vaccines also have the potential to significantly reduce the real economic costs of AMR.
Globally, the cost to hospitals to treat resistant pathogens assessed in the report is estimated at $730 billion each year. A vaccine that targets all of these could potentially save a third of hospital costs associated with AMR.
At the United Nations General Assembly’s High-Level Week in September, world leaders pledged clear goals and action on AMR, including a 10% annual reduction in deaths related to bacterial AMR by 2030. A declaration was adopted.
The declaration highlights key aspects such as the importance of access to vaccines, medicines, treatments and diagnostics, and the need for financial mechanisms to support research and innovation in combating AMR.
