A new series in The Lancet, co-authored by Joseph Lewnard, associate professor of Epidemiology at the School of Public Health, highlights that improving infection prevention could prevent over 750,000 deaths linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) annually in low- and middle-income countries. Lewnard emphasizes that focusing on effective infection prevention methods—such as better hand hygiene, sterilization in healthcare facilities, safe drinking water, effective sanitation, and expanded pediatric vaccinations—can significantly reduce the use of antibiotics, thereby mitigating AMR. The series calls for sustainable access to effective antibiotics and proposes ambitious global targets for 2030 to reduce AMR-related mortality and inappropriate antibiotic use in humans and animals. It also suggests establishing an independent scientific body to guide policy implementation.
June 11, 2024