The 4th WHO Global Evidence Review on Health and Migration highlights that equitable access and appropriate use of antibiotics for refugees and migrants is essential to tackling antimicrobial resistance.
Worldwide, more than 1.27 million people die each year from bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Decades of misuse and overuse of antibiotics and other antimicrobials have made these drugs less effective in treating common infections and has accelerated the emergence and spread of AMR.
Refugee and immigrant experiences in their countries of origin, migration journeys, immigration and integration policies, and living and working conditions in host countries increase their vulnerability to infectious diseases, increasing their access to antibiotics and adequate disease control. potential to challenge the capacity for effective treatment. .
Collecting Evidence on Access to Essential Antibiotics in Refugee and Migrant Populations, the fourth report of the WHO Global Evidence Review on Health and Migration (GEHM), collects evidence on access to essential antibiotics for refugees and migrants. However, the impact of these populations is heterogeneous and largely influenced by the health system of the host country. The extent to which they are accessible globally is unknown, but the report spotlights the most common health-system barriers to antibiotic access and use across the region. Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing, lack of translated materials and interpretation services.
Barriers to access to health services and access to and use of antibiotics can lead to unnecessary or misuse, often worsening the health of users and further developing drug-resistant pathogens. .
“Several studies show that refugees and migrants often rely on informal markets and self-medication to overcome barriers in host countries’ health systems,” said WHO’s Health and Migration Programme. said Dr. Santino Severoni, director of “For all, including refugees and migrants, access to safe, effective and affordable high-quality antibiotics is key to promoting the health of these populations, combating AMR and reducing infections. It is essential to maintain our ability to treat disease.”
The report also identifies non-health policies and factors that challenge access to and appropriate use of antibiotics by refugees and migrants. These include previous unsatisfactory experience with formal care and ease of informal access to antibiotics. In addition, these groups may face stigma, fear of deportation due to mobility status, or language barriers, and may be unable to receive care due to lack of time, transportation, and economic constraints. may not be possible.
Based on the review’s findings, a set of 5 policy considerations has been identified to improve access and appropriate use of antibiotics in refugee and migrant populations and contribute to reversing the progression of AMR globally. advocated in one area.
- Build global governance for AMR actions by securing significant investments. Coordinate the WHO global action plan on refugees, migrants and AMR and integrate it into a coherent framework for coordinated action. Establishing financial arrangements for equitable access and use of antibiotics in low and middle income countries (LMIC) markets.
- Improve global data collection by enhancing oversight systems for data-driven and evidence-based policy solutions. Supporting research through coordinated and targeted funding to fill substantial knowledge gaps.
- Address national-level barriers to seeking formal care by facilitating access to care by improving language accessibility and health literacy for refugees and migrants. Monitor and support the provision of immigrant- and refugee-sensitive cultural competence training for health workers. Improve migrant and refugee knowledge of antibiotics through community-based initiatives.
- T.Remove country-level barriers to access to formal care by removing systemic barriers to care based on legal status. We ensure essential, quality-assured antibiotics are affordable. Improve knowledge and registration of eligibility for care of vulnerable populations and health care providers. Avoid policies that limit access to antibiotics for vulnerable populations.
- 〇Overcome national barriers to adequate, quality care by ensuring access to point-of-care diagnostic tools for optimal case management in vulnerable populations.
Equitable access and appropriate use of existing and new antimicrobials for all, including refugees and migrants, is a fundamental human right and contributes to the increasing range of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, parasites and viruses. As it continues, it is essential for an effective global public health response. and fungi.
“When dealing with AMR, we need to focus on people and vulnerable people,” said Catharina Van Weezenbeek, SPC/AMR Director.
“We need to strengthen the evidence on the burden and impact of AMR on refugee and migrant populations and help improve national regulations and policies, as well as global guidelines. We look forward to working closely with the program.”
