Tackling antimicrobial resistance in Indigenous, rural and remote communities

In many OECD countries, recent efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have not always addressed concerns for certain populations. This working paper places a spotlight on AMR in Indigenous, rural and remote communities (IRR). It shows that the burden of AMR in IRR communities can be 1.5 to 3 times higher than the general population. Limited access to healthcare services, exposure to contaminated water, socio-economic factors, substandard sanitation and living conditions, mobility patterns across communities and climate change play a pronounced role in fueling AMR rates in IRR communities. The working paper presents 14 policies tailored to optimise antibiotic use and reduce the incidence of infections in human health and beyond. It underlines that promoting strong co-ordination and collaboration between national authorities, Indigenous partners and representatives from rural and remote communities is paramount to ensuring that policies are designed and implemented in accordance with needs and practices in local contexts.