New Delhi: A groundbreaking report by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that vaccines against 24 pathogens could reduce antibiotic use by 22% or 2.5 billion defined daily doses globally every year, supporting worldwide efforts to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This significant reduction would be a major step forward in combating AMR, which claims nearly 5 million lives annually.
The Alarming Reality of AMR
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become resistant to antimicrobial medicines, making people sicker and increasing the risk of illness, death, and the spread of difficult-to-treat infections. The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials drive AMR, while many people worldwide lack access to essential antimicrobials.
Vaccines: A Crucial Part of the Solution
Vaccines are essential in preventing infections, reducing antimicrobial use, and slowing the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens. Existing vaccines against pneumococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), and typhoid could prevent up to 106,000 AMR-related deaths annually. New vaccines for tuberculosis (TB) and Klebsiella pneumoniae could avert an additional 543,000 deaths each year.
Vaccines with the Highest Impact
Some vaccines have the potential to make a significant impact on reducing antibiotic use:
Streptococcus pneumoniae: Could save 33 million antibiotic doses annually if 90% of children and older adults are vaccinated.
Typhoid: Could save 45 million antibiotic doses annually with accelerated introduction in high-burden countries.
Malaria: Could save up to 25 million antibiotic doses annually, reducing misuse in treating malaria.
TB: Could save 1.2-1.9 billion antibiotic doses annually once new vaccines are developed.
Economic Benefits of Vaccines
Vaccines could significantly reduce the substantial economic costs of AMR. Globally, hospital costs for treating resistant pathogens are estimated at $730 billion annually. Widespread vaccine rollout could save a third of these costs.
A Comprehensive Approach to Addressing AMR
The WHO emphasizes the need for a people-centered approach across health systems to prevent, diagnose, and treat infections. This approach recognizes vaccination as core to preventing AMR and encourages combining vaccines with other interventions.
Global Commitment to Addressing AMR
At the 79th United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR, world leaders committed to reducing bacterial AMR-related deaths by 10% by 2030. The declaration stresses the importance of access to vaccines, medicines, treatments, and diagnostics, and calls for incentives to drive health research and innovation.