Leveraging diagnostics and multisectoral partnerships in the global fight against AMR

Dr Charles Cooper

Medical Affairs, bioMérieux

Headshot ©Briac-Durand

Dame Sally Davies

UK Special Envoy on Antimicrobial Resistance

While new data suggest that annual deaths attributable to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will rise from 1.14 million in 2021 to 1.91 million in 2050,1 collective action is urgently needed including access to essential diagnostic tools.

The economic implications of AMR are astounding too — with potential GDP losses of up to $3.4 trillion annually by 2030,² disproportionately impacting low-resourced countries.

The critical role of diagnostics in AMR

Diagnostics are crucial for effective healthcare. In the context of AMR, they help healthcare professionals differentiate between viral and bacterial infections, guide antibiotic use, prevent misuse and monitor resistance patterns. While tests in hospitals or even the home testing we saw during COVID-19 are commonplace in high-income countries, many hospitals and communities worldwide far too often underutilise or lack access to these essential tools.

The fight against AMR is severely hampered by these glaring inequalities and blind spots in AMR surveillance data and access to diagnostics. In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the absence of robust data systems means the true extent of AMR is obscured. For instance, as recently as 2017, nearly half (43%) of the countries in Africa lacked available AMR data.³ Without accurate data, we are fighting an invisible enemy, unable to allocate resources effectively or measure the impact of interventions. 

Strengthening health systems and improving laboratory capacity are vital. As the pharmaceutical sector develops new antibiotics, we need systems in place to ensure they are used appropriately and only when necessary.

AMR affects people of all backgrounds

We live in a world where a simple infection can turn deadly, routine surgeries are risky and minor cuts can lead to life-threatening situations. This is already a reality many patients face daily across the globe due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). For instance, Tori Kinamon, a former collegiate gymnast, nearly lost her leg to a late-diagnosed MRSA infection that required eight surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.

In 2019, a four-year-old boy struggled with severe respiratory issues and a drug-resistant infection requiring difficult-to-obtain antibiotics, which ultimately contributed to his tragic death from a bloodstream infection complicated by congenital short bowel syndrome. Such experiences underscore that AMR does not discriminate — it affects people from all walks of life.

We are committed to promoting the responsible use of antibiotics by supporting healthcare providers.

Showcasing successful partnerships

Since 2019, bioMérieux has partnered with the Fleming Fund, a UK aid programme, to equip clinical and veterinarian reference laboratories in 15 countries across Africa and Asia, with advanced diagnostic technology, digital surveillance solutions and training for healthcare professionals. This partnership aims to enhance patient care, understand resistance burdens better and strengthen AMR surveillance systems while supporting the implementation of national AMR plans. New laboratory equipment delivered to Bhutan is identifying resistant pathogens in just 60 minutes, compared to older methods which took 24 hours.

In May 2024, bioMérieux, the Malawi Ministry of Health and Pfizer initiated an innovative partnership to improve infection prevention, diagnostics, surveillance and treatment in five central hospitals across the nation. By working together, we are committed to promoting the responsible use of antibiotics by supporting healthcare providers.

Advancing together

AMR is a complex challenge that demands a united front. There is no silver bullet, so we must leverage the collective efforts of governments, healthcare providers, academia, the private sector, the patient community and civil society.

On September 26, the United Nations General Assembly held a High-Level Meeting on AMR, where world leaders have committed to urgent and meaningful action, particularly for the most vulnerable communities in the world. We have seen desperately needed commitments to leverage funding and implement National Action Plans on AMR. It was a landmark opportunity for stakeholders to come together and work towards a common goal of global access to antibiotics, vaccines, diagnostics, finance, data and leadership from policymakers, the public, NGOs and the private sector.

Global AMR collaboration framework

The UN Declaration from the High-Level Meeting is crucial in fostering an environment that supports multisectoral partnerships and sets a global vision for collaboration, backed by the necessary resources — financial and otherwise. To support these changes in clinical care and government policy, leaders require access to data to inform action, which is generated in large part through the use of diagnostics and surveillance. So, now begins the hard work of implementing these commitments.

Crucially, the High-Level Meeting has committed to establishing an independent science panel on AMR. Similar to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), it will assess the latest data and inform future global targets and interventions. The panel must be globally representative and inclusive of all countries and sectors — and ideally hosted in Africa — where AMR is most felt. We urge global leaders to contribute to the upcoming consultation and make their voices heard so that the panel delivers for everyone across the world.

Urgent action for AMR

Now is the time for action and investment. We need resources and political will. We call on global and national government bodies to facilitate partnerships across sectors to develop policies, improve surveillance, enhance diagnostic utilisation and implement effective actions. Everyone can make a difference. We don’t want to reach the next high-level meeting in 2029 with nothing to show for our efforts. Advancing together isn’t just a theme; it’s a necessity.