Context: The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP), has highlighted the urgent issue of global antibiotic shortages.
Global Antibiotic Shortages: Global Data and Examples
Global Burden: In 2019, AMR directly caused 1.27 million deaths and was associated with 4.95 million more (Source: Lancet, 2022).
Regional Examples:
United Kingdom: A 2023 shortage of pediatric amoxicillin, used for Strep A, led to treatment delays and fatalities.
Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs): Frequent stockouts of first-line antibiotics exacerbate public health challenges.
Market Failures: Compared to other drugs, over 42% of antibiotic shortages are reported (WHO, 2024).
Reasons behind antibiotic shortage:
Market and Economic Failures:
- Antibiotics are less profitable than other drugs, leading to reduced investment in production.
- Supply chain disruptions and bottlenecks deter manufacturing.
Regulatory Hurdles:
- Strict regulatory requirements increase production costs.
- Delays in approvals further discourage manufacturers.
Sudden Demand Surges:
- Outbreaks of bacterial infections result in erratic demand, straining supply chains.
Limited Manufacturers:
- Dependence on a small number of global suppliers increases vulnerability to disruptions.
Stock Management Issues:
- Poor procurement practices and lack of national stockpiling systems.
Impacts of antibiotic shortages:
Increased AMR Risk: Shortages force reliance on suboptimal or broad-spectrum antibiotics, accelerating resistance.
Higher Mortality and Morbidity: Delayed treatments contribute to preventable deaths.
- Vulnerable populations, including children, face severe health risks.
Economic Strain: Prolonged illnesses due to ineffective treatments burden healthcare systems.
Public Health Challenges: Limited access undermines global health security, especially in Lower- middle income countries (LMICs).
Quality Concerns: The use of substandard or falsified antibiotics increases the likelihood of treatment failure.
Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? (UPSC-2019)
- Genetic predisposition of some people
- Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
- Using antibiotics in livestock farming
- Multiple chronic diseases in some people
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a. 1 and 2
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1, 3 and 4
d. 2, 3 and 4
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