A series of 6 slides about AMR and MSF work around it, and an invitation to an online webinar that will take place during WAAW and will bring together experts and field practitioners to explore the intersection between conflict, fragility, and AMR, and to identify and share actionable policy recommendations for humanitarian and health actors
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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is when microbes, like bacteria, evolve to survive exposure to antimicrobial medicines, such as antibiotics, used for treatment or prevention (prophylaxis). This makes antimicrobials less effective and infections more difficult to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, disability and death.

AMR is a significant global public health threat: it is estimated that by 2050, AMR will contribute to 8.2 million associated deaths per year.

In humanitarian and low-resource settings – particularly in contexts affected by conflicts, displacement, and fragile health systems with patchy access to antimicrobials, diagnostics, and limited infection prevention measures – the burden of AMR is severe.


MSF is addressing AMR through dedicated prevention, detection, and response efforts: +20 countries, +50 projects. MSF's AMR response package includes infection prevention and control, antibiotic stewardship, and providing access to microbiology lab-based diagnostics and surveillance. But, in order to tackle AMR on a global scale, more concrete and global action is needed.

Overall, we’re calling for equitable access to existing diagnostic tools, microbiology capacities, legacy and new lifesaving antibiotics, and care for all, alongside increased research and development for low-resource and humanitarian settings, where it is most needed.