Abstract
Infectious diseases exacerbated by Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) are of increasing concern in Sweden, with multi-drug resistant strains associated with new resistance mechanisms that are emerging and spreading worldwide. Existing research has identified that sub-optimal living conditions and poor access to healthcare are significant factors in the spread and incubation of AMR strains. The article considers this linkage and the effort to control the spread of AMR in relation to migrants, highlighting deficiencies in public policy where such individuals are often increasingly exposed to those conditions that exacerbate AMR. In many of the richest countries, those conditions are not accidental, but often direct goals of policies designed with the goal of deterring migrants from staying within host countries. Without engaging with the politics around migration control, the article points to urgent need for more holistic assessment of all public policies that may, however unintentionally, undermine AMR control through worsening living conditions for vulnerable groups. The consequences of prioritizing policies meant to deliberately worsen the living conditions of migrants over avoiding those conditions that accelerate AMR spread, are today made ever apparent where new AMR strains have the potential to dwarf the societal effects of the current Covid-19 pandemic.
Highlights
Infectious diseases exacerbated by Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) are of increasing concern, with multi-drug resistant strains associated with new resistance mechanisms that are emerging and spreading worldwide
A WHO report on the health of migrants in the Europe states that AMR is increasing worldwide and that forced migration and discriminatory policies in host countries may play a role by worsening living conditions [18]
Many may have succumbed to various medical conditions during transit before arriving in the country, and are at risk of worsening conditions, if not appropriately attended to at the earliest moment
Summary
Infectious diseases exacerbated by Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) are of increasing concern, with multi-drug resistant strains associated with new resistance mechanisms that are emerging and spreading worldwide. A WHO report on the health of migrants in the Europe states that AMR is increasing worldwide and that forced migration and discriminatory policies in host countries may play a role by worsening living conditions [18]. The review of research on AMR and migrants in Europe, by Nellums et al [19], identifies the need for improved living conditions, access to health care and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for AMR infections during transit and in host countries, and that protocols to prevent and control AMR should include measures to address the challenges faced by migrants [19]. Much of the literature places the blame for this potential scenario on continuing poor antimicrobial stewardship [22, 23]
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