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WHO's antimicrobial resistance diagnostic initiative: To strengthen diagnostic capacity

Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav

July 6, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM

Antimicrobial Resistance, Global health, Public health

Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav

  • The WHO created the AMR diagnostic initiative to assist World Health Assembly member states in fulfilling their 2023 commitments to improve diagnostic capacity.

  • The lack of clinical microbiologists and lab technicians, the high cost of supplies and equipment, and inadequate infrastructure make it difficult to provide essential bacteriology and mycology laboratory services.

  • The policy brief lays out four "building blocks" for the initiative. 

  • These include

  1. A strategic and operational framework to set standards and provide implementation guidance

  2. Standardized assessment tools for monitoring and reporting bacteriology and mycology laboratory services capacity at national and global levels

  3. A global AMR laboratory network includes laboratories designated by the WHO for bacteriology and mycology.

  4. Susceptibility testing at national, supranational, and specialized levels; and research and innovation in AMR diagnostics.

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