In the ever-evolving landscape of global health, some challenges emerge that demand not just attention but action. One such challenge is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a global crisis that threatens the very core of our healthcare systems. At the Partnership for Supply Chain Management (PFSCM), we recognize this threat, and we are taking a holistic approach to expanding our portfolio of AMR-related health products to help countries easily access diagnostics, surveillance and treatment products which play a pivotal role in the battle against AMR.
AMR is a silent adversary that lurks in the background. It’s the microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, that have developed resistance to the drugs we rely on to keep diseases at bay. The consequences of this resistance are far-reaching, resulting in prolonged suffering, skyrocketing healthcare costs, and, tragically, lives lost prematurely.
AMR is not a localized issue; it transcends borders and impacts every corner of the globe. Each year, nearly 700,000 people succumb to drug-resistant infections worldwide, a number projected to soar to a staggering 10 million by 2050 if we fail to act decisively. The economic toll is equally staggering, with AMR predicted to cost the world a staggering $100 trillion by 2050. That’s a crisis we simply cannot afford to ignore.
This growing shadow of AMR is why we’ve chosen to expand our product portfolio to include AMR diagnostic, surveillance, and treatment solutions. But why is this so important? Making AMR-related, nationally standardized laboratory diagnostic and surveillance tools available through multiple affordable and reliable procurement and delivery mechanisms helps to channel demand and control quality and lays the foundation for a more harmonized global approach to product procurement. This, in turn, streamlines the training and support services associated with equipment and also results in more accurate forecasts, which help suppliers better plan to meet demand. It also enables suppliers to collaborate with countries, procurement agents, and logistics services providers to develop sustainable solutions for the long-term viability, maintenance and availability of products. In short, countries can more easily access the latest prequalified AMR solutions when the products are included in well-established global procurement catalogs and channels. This best practice speeds up procurement and delivery lead times, and standardization of the products offered across global platforms reduces complexity and improves supply chain visibility.
Our decision to incorporate AMR portfolio products into our offering is not just a strategic move; it’s a moral obligation. By doing so, we’re ensuring that essential products proven to be reliable in timely and accurate detection and effective against drug-resistant infections are readily accessible. This translates into more than just improved health outcomes; it means reducing the financial burden on healthcare systems and making quality healthcare accessible to all.
In conclusion, our journey to integrate AMR portfolio products into our offering is a testament to our unwavering commitment to global health. Together, hand in hand with our partners and stakeholders, we are forging a path towards a healthier world where the power of diagnostics and antibiotics remains undiminished and quality healthcare is a reality for all.
References:
- World Health Organization. Antimicrobial resistance.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Antibiotic/Antimicrobial Resistance.
- Review on Antimicrobial Resistance. Tackling drug-resistant infections globally: final report and recommendations