Emerging Antimicrobial Resistance and Evolving Healthcare: Dangerous Crossroads for the Community and the Military

Modern diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including advanced surgeries, organ transplants, and immunotherapy are pillared by antimicrobial therapy. Parallel to the rising incidence of infectious diseases, the menace of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) emerged worldwide. Developing countries are facing the brunt in epidemic proportions due to huge population, substandard housing, overcrowding, rapid unplanned urbanization, deterioration in water and waste management systems, strained public health infrastructure, and limited resource allocation to healthcare. Simultaneously, AMR has adversely affected the outcome of military injuries. The rising problem of AMR is discouraging the development of newer antimicrobials by the pharmaceutical industry. There has been a considerable impetus towards concept development; however, the magnitude of the problem overshadows the progress made towards the control of AMR worldwide. There is a dire need to identify this threat, develop concerted multipronged strategy, develop infrastructure, foster expertise, and take coordinated and urgent steps to tackle the serious public health challenge. An intensified commitment needs to be taken up on a war footing at individual, local, national, regional, and international levels. This article discusses the overall concept for developing countries.