We call on Governments and NGOs, especially, to help develop the capacity to ensure timely and robust responses to such catastrophes by focusing on infection prevention and control measures, access to appropriate treatments, and stewardship protocols for the responsible use of those treatments.

Through our work with colleagues in Ukraine, the PDA and BSAC have come to understand just how little global coordination exists when it comes to containing and controlling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the face of sudden and large-scale devastation, a situation that is likely to compound tragedy and hamper recovery.

AMR poses one of the biggest threats to global health. Given that ‘bugs don’t respect borders’, it is in all of our interests to urgently improve the response to humanitarian crises – no matter where they unfold.