Antimicrobial resistance alliance: a case for the inclusion of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) in the global fight against Anti-microbial Resistance (AMR)

Abstract

There is currently no coordinated global effort to examine the possibilities offered by traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM) for the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) despite there being numerous substances that are currently in use and understood to be highly effective. TCIM could significantly alter medical outcomes at low cost. Some traditional medicine disciplines have begun research into these areas, but nowhere is there a coordinated effort to summarise the research by pathogen, identify gaps, nor undertake a prioritised program of work to further the research. The lack of commercial benefit to be derived from new antimicrobials with likely inbuilt obsolescence and usage restrictions drives this pharmaceutical R and D lag. Similarly, market incentives have been lacking or ineffective.