Integration of equity into national action plans on antimicrobial resistance: guidance to complement the people-centred approach
Overview
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a major threat to global health and development, yet equity remains insufficiently addressed in AMR policy and practice. This publication complements WHO’s people-centred approach to addressing AMR in the human health sector by synthesizing evidence and expert opinion on equity and providing practical recommendations for integrating equity into national action plans (NAPs) on AMR. It focuses on three scenarios addressing critical AMR interventions: water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); access to health services and essential antibiotics; and surveillance of and response to AMR and antimicrobial use. These scenarios illustrate how inequity can influence the emergence, spread and impact of AMR and can undermine or be exacerbated by AMR interventions.
The publication provides 20 recommendations to strengthen knowledge and action on inequity across the 13 core interventions of the WHO people-centred approach. Countries are encouraged to adapt the recommendations to their contexts and needs and progressively strengthen equity-responsive AMR action.
