The Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance to Healthcare Sustainability

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Alexandra Lourenço, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Beira Interior, in Portugal. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

Sustainability is the cornerstone of true and enduring success in healthcare, but antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is gradually undermining healthcare sustainability at its foundation. As bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites naturally evolve to resist the effects of medications intended to kill them, the world faces an impending crisis that can potentially reverse decades of medical progress.

AMR develops through various processes, such as genetic mutations and the acquisition of “resistance genes” from other bacteria. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics hasten this process, creating “superbugs” that are incredibly difficult to treat. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), AMR is one of the top 10 global public health emergencies, with an estimated 700,000 deaths ascribed to drug-resistant infections every year.

AMR undermines healthcare sustainability in several ways. Healthcare costs escalate as infections become tougher to treat, driving up medical care expenses. Prolonged hospital stays, isolation wards, and the use of more expensive antibiotics drain financial resources, limiting funds available for other essential services and decreasing overall system efficiency. Higher rates of morbidity and mortality due to drug-resistant infections can overwhelm healthcare professionals and institutions, particularly in low-resource settings, which contributes to exacerbating existing global health inequalities.

The exhaustion of resources is another critical issue. The fight against AMR demands substantial funding for research and development of new antibiotics, and effective infection control and prevention strategies, diverting resources from other urgent healthcare needs. Additionally, AMR impacts routine medical procedures, such as surgeries, chemotherapy, and organ transplants, making them riskier due to untreatable infections. This undermines the reliability of medical interventions, compromising patient outcomes and the overall trust in healthcare systems.

Combating AMR is imperative for sustainable healthcare, and global cooperation is indispensable. Countries must join efforts to track and combat the spread of resistance, sharing data and resources. Successful antibiotic stewardship programs worldwide have shown that multidisciplinary teams overseeing antibiotic use can significantly reduce misuse. Public education campaigns that raise awareness about the significance of using antibiotics responsibly can promote better public health practices. Stronger regulations on antibiotic use in medicine and agriculture are also necessary to curb overuse.

The battle against AMR is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of healthcare systems globally. By addressing AMR through responsible antibiotic use, infection control, investment in research, and international collaboration, we can enhance the quality of healthcare for all. Now is the time for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public to unite in the fight against this threat and ensure a sustainable, bright future for generations to come. Now is the time to act.

About the author

Alexandra Lourenço is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Beira Interior, in Portugal. Driven by a strong desire to make healthcare more efficient and accessible, she is dedicated to learn about the medical problems faced by various individuals and minorities. In her free time, she enjoys learning new languages.