Corruption, poverty and inflation as enablers of AMR in low- and middle-income countries: finding the link and addressing the gaps

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health challenge that disproportionately affects countries and regions with limited resources. Current efforts to address AMR largely emphasize antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), community engagement and scientific research, while often overlooking systemic factors such as corruption, poverty and inflation, which significantly influence the capacity of individuals and communities to respond effectively. In this article, we suggest that AMR responses must extend beyond traditional AMS and community engagement to adopt a genuinely people-centred approach-one that empowers individuals not only to achieve optimal health but also to navigate broader social and economic constraints. To our knowledge, this is the first report to critically examine the combined impact of corruption, poverty and inflation on AMR.