By Tim Meehan I November 2023
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health crisis that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. AMR is caused by the inappropriate use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs, which leads to the development of drug-resistant microorganisms. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), AMR is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity today. 1.3 million people die each year from bacterial infections meaning that AMR is a leading cause of death globally, higher than HIV/AIDs and malaria
The WHO estimates that by 2050, AMR will cause 10 million deaths each year, making it a growing threat to public health, food security, and development worldwide. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are particularly vulnerable to AMR, and the majority of AMR-related deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa.
To combat this silent epidemic, effective supply chain management is essential to provide consistent access to diagnostics for the identification of pathogens and resistance. As a non-profit organization, The Partnership for Supply Chain Management (PFSCM) focuses on providing sustainable supply chain solutions for public health; especially in LMICs.
PFSCM is enabling access to quality-assured AMR products through the development of a comprehensive portfolio that includes automated and manual microbiological laboratory commodities, diagnostics for the identification of pathogens and genes associated with resistance, genetic sequencing equipment for improved surveillance, ancillary testing to support AMR-related syndromes, and the appropriate antibiotics aligned with regional resistance profiles.
In addition to providing access to these essential AMR products, PFSCM is leveraging its expertise in building lab capacity, providing technical support, and strengthening supply chains in hard-to-reach places to ensure greater access to the tools needed to fight AMR.
Effective fourth-party logistics (4PL) services are essential to provide the essential products needed to effectively combat AMR. By streamlining supply chains and sourcing, PFSCM is improving access to the lifesaving diagnostics and treatments necessary for healthcare workers and clinicians to provide high-quality, data-driven diagnosis and care. This is particularly important in LMICs where antimicrobial resistance is high, and healthcare systems may be under-resourced and overburdened.
PFSCM takes pride in our ability to maintain the integrity of health products during transportation and storage, ensuring that they are delivered safely to those who need them most. Our use of data loggers and track-and-trace tools allows us to monitor shipments and track their progress, giving us complete visibility and control over the entire shipping process. This helps to ensure that products are delivered safely and remain effective.
We work closely with clients and regulatory authorities to obtain the necessary waivers and import licenses, ensuring that health products can be delivered quickly and efficiently without delays or bureaucratic hurdles.
By reducing the time it takes to obtain import documentation and waivers, we help to ensure that patients receive the right treatments at the right time.
Plates with microorganisms and medicament capsules
This World AMR Week, let us celebrate the crucial work that healthcare professionals and organizations are doing to combat AMR in LMICs. By providing essential AMR products and leveraging our expertise, PFSCM can make a real difference in the fight against AMR.
Reference links:
1. World Health Organization (WHO)
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)