Futures

Overview of the WHO Global Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance Report 2025: Key Findings and Recommendations, (from page 20251130.)

External link

Keywords

Themes

Other

Summary

The WHO Global Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance Report 2025 highlights the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to global health, which jeopardizes the efficacy of essential treatments. It emphasizes the importance of national surveillance systems, supported by WHO GLASS, to collect standardized data that inform public health strategies. This executive summary presents a comprehensive analysis of antibiotic resistance trends globally, utilizing over 23 million cases reported from 104 countries in 2023, with comparative data spanning 2016-2023. The report includes estimates of AMR for 93 infection-type-pathogen-antibiotic combinations, reviews progress on surveillance systems, and introduces a new scoring framework for evaluating data completeness. Recommendations are provided for strengthening surveillance and enhancing responses at the country level to combat the AMR crisis.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Increasing Global Surveillance Efforts Countries are enhancing their antibiotic resistance surveillance systems for better data collection. Shift from limited national surveillance to comprehensive global efforts in monitoring AMR. In 10 years, we may see near-universal participation in AMR surveillance, ensuring better control measures. Growing awareness of the global healthcare impact of antibiotic resistance drives nations to improve data systems and responses. 4
Rise in Infection Data Reporting More countries are reporting data on various types of infections and resistance patterns. Transition from sporadic reporting of infection data to a standardized global reporting framework. Standardized reporting could lead to a global database of infection trends, aiding healthcare strategies. Pressure from international health organizations, like WHO, encourages nations to provide more detailed infection data. 5
Enhanced Data Standardization The establishment of standards for reporting antibiotic resistance data among countries. Change from inconsistent data reporting to a unified, standardized framework for AMR data. A unified framework could enable direct comparisons between countries and inform global health strategies. The need for accurate, comparable data to combat AMR drives standardization efforts globally. 4
Growing Recognition of AMR Threat There is increasing acknowledgment of AMR as a critical global health threat by various stakeholders. Shift from underestimation of AMR impacts to widespread recognition and action against it. In 10 years, AMR’s status as a major public health priority could lead to significant policy changes and funding increases. Emerging data showcasing the severe consequences of AMR motivates governments and organizations to respond. 5
Focus on National Priorities for Action Prioritization in response strategies is being directed at national levels based on AMR data findings. A move from generic responses to tailored country-specific AMR action plans based on surveillance data. Individual countries may develop bespoke health policies addressing AMR tailored to their specific needs and challenges. Pressure from global standards necessitates localized responses to the AMR crisis, driving tailored strategies. 4

Concerns

name description
Increasing Antibiotic Resistance The growing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance threatens the effectiveness of treatments, leading to higher risks from infections and medical procedures.
Inadequate Surveillance Systems Insufficient national surveillance systems may lead to gaps in data, hindering public health response and understanding of AMR trends.
Global Health Inequities Differences in resources and capacity among countries can exacerbate the impact of AMR, especially in low-income regions during health crises.
Threat to Routine Medical Interventions The rise in antibiotic resistance could undermine the safety and efficacy of routine medical procedures such as surgeries and cancer treatments.
Public Health Preparedness Lack of actionable data and coordinated international response may prevent effective management and control of AMR threats.
Emerging Pathogen Resistance The documentation of new resistance patterns in pathogens could pose future public health challenges that are not currently anticipated.

Behaviors

name description
Enhanced National Surveillance Systems Countries are establishing and improving national surveillance systems for antimicrobial resistance, facilitating standardized data collection and analysis.
Global Data Sharing Increased collaboration among countries to share AMR data enhances public health responses and informs global health strategies.
Priority-Based Action Framework The introduction of a scoring framework to assess national data completeness emphasizes prioritizing resources and actions in AMR management.
Regional Resistance Tracking Monitoring trends of antibiotic resistance in specific regions enables tailored interventions and better public health responses.
Focus on Common Infections Heightened attention to the risks posed by common infections due to AMR reflects a shift in public health priorities.

Technologies

name description
Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS) A system to monitor and report on antimicrobial resistance trends globally, enhancing data-driven public health strategies.
Standardized Data Generation The approach to create and utilize standardized data for effective monitoring and evaluation of AMR trends.
Scoring Framework for AMR Data Completeness A novel framework to assess the quality and completeness of national antimicrobial resistance data.

Issues

name description
Antimicrobial Resistance Growth The increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance undermines treatments, posing risks to public health and routine medical procedures.
Need for Enhanced Surveillance Systems Countries require improved national surveillance systems for effective tracking and management of AMR.
Data Standardization for AMR Standardized data generation is crucial for guiding public health actions in response to AMR trends.
Global Public Health Coordination There is a critical need for global coordination to address AMR effectively across nations.
Trends in Antibiotic Resistance Tracking antibiotic resistance trends over time is essential for understanding AMR dynamics and planning interventions.