Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) leads to drug-resistant infections that kill over 1.2 million people annually, more than HIV/Aids or malaria. While gender plays an important role in a person’s risk of exposure and vulnerability to drug-resistant infections, few national action plans (NAPs) on AMR include gender considerations.
Despite this, available research shows that gender norms, roles, and relations impact the settings where people are more likely to be exposed to infections, a person’s health care seeking-behaviour, and how antimicrobials are prescribed and used.
Leading up to International Women’s Day, the Global Strategy Lab featured facts about gender and drug-resistant infections:
Did you know that women are 27% more likely to receive antibiotics throughout their lifetime than men?
Did you know that women often have limited authority over financial decisions about the animals they care for, making it harder for them to buy antimicrobials and vaccines?
Gender and ethnicity play a big role when shaping access to essential resources like antimicrobials.
Did you know that while gender plays an important role in a person’s risk of exposure and vulnerability to drug-resistant infections, few national action plans (NAPs) on AMR include gender considerations?
Did you know that empowering women in livestock systems can improve household and community economies, boosting spending on food and education?
AMR research that better incorporates gender analysis is needed.
Did you know that lack of clean water increases everyone’s risk of drug-resistant infections, but women and girls face an even higher risk?
Did you know that including gender considerations in AMR research can help ensure interventions are effective for everyone?
Resources
Project Page: Enhancing the Gender-responsiveness of AMR Research
Project Page: Guidance for Gender-Responsive National Action Plans
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