The BMJ: Antimicrobial resistance: More quick action is needed in BRICS and MINT economic transition countries
Jessika Hu, clinical epidemiologist with infectious diseases research and programmatical experience in Asia, and Lord O’Neill, chair of Chatham House, discuss the urgency to address antimicrobial resistance and the implications for and role of middle-income countries. The authors write, “Many countries in economic transition may view addressing AMR as an unwanted economic burden. However, middle income countries like Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) as well as the emerging next economic power countries like Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey (MINT) have high rates of AMR. … It is important to emphasize that AMR is a threat to economic development in these nine countries, home to more than half of the world’s population. … If these very large economies fail to reach their economic potential the global economic impact could be substantial. … More actions are needed from pharmaceutical companies, governments, international organizations and the general public, with a multidisciplinary and integrated approach…” (10/2).