Equitable Access to Antibiotics: A Core Element and Shared Global Responsibility for Pandemic Preparedness and Response

Abstract

Securing equitable antibiotic access as an essential component for health system resilience and pandemic preparedness requires a systems perspective. This article discusses key components that need to be coordinated and paired with adequate financing and resources to ensure antibiotic effectiveness as a global public good, which should be central while discussing a new global agreement.

Financing for pandemic preparedness and response measures: a systematic scoping review

“…The most frequently discussed topics within the 22 publications addressing this element were access to services and resources, and equity in access ( Table 1 ). 18 , 20 , 23 , 30 , 33 , 37 , 42 – 47 , 49 , 51 , 59 , 61 , 63 , 69 , 70 , 72 , 76 , 77 The literature is focused on the need for cohesive and equitable strategies in pandemic preparedness and response, highlighting the importance of integrating global health security into UHC with an emphasis on human rights, equity and social determinants of health. A crucial topic is the need to understand the treatment of pandemic technologies, such as vaccines, as common goods, focusing on equity and knowledge sharing.…”

“…Notably, 19 of these 22 articles also discuss topics within the infrastructure and system element. 18 , 30 , 33 , 37 , 42 , 43 , 45 – 47 , 49 , 51 , 59 , 61 , 63 , 69 , 70 , 72 , 76 , 77 This overlap includes discussions on financing systems and structures, public–private partnerships in research and development, and global health systems and security.…”

Ten golden rules for optimal antibiotic use in hospital settings: the WARNING call to action

“…This approach aims to achieve optimal health outcomes for people, animals, and the environment, while considering the diverse socioeconomic, political, and cultural contexts affecting AMR [ 68 ], including limited technical expertise, insufficient clinical and research laboratory infrastructure, other financial constraints, and necessary political commitment [ 69 ]. As effective antibiotics are a global public good on the verge of scarcity, AMR is rightly considered a serious threat [ 70 ]. Preserving antibiotics is a collective responsibility [ 8 , 71 ].…”

Ten golden rules for optimal antibiotic use in hospitals: based on the publication statement of the International Network Group of the World Antimicrobial Resistance

“…This approach aims to achieve optimal health outcomes for humans, animals and the environment, taking into account the diverse socioeconomic, political and cultural contexts that affect AMR [68], including limited technical expertise, insufficient clinical and research laboratory infrastructure, other financial constraints, and the necessary political commitment [69]. Since effective antibiotics are a global public good that is on the verge of scarcity, antimicrobial resistance is rightly considered a serious threat [70], and antibiotic conservation is a collective responsibility [8,71].…”