WHO report highlights vaccines' role in combating antimicrobial resistance

A new World Health Organization (WHO) report highlights the importance of vaccines in reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It suggests that vaccines against 24 pathogens could cut global antibiotic use by 22%, potentially saving 2.5 billion doses annually. The report emphasizes that existing vaccines, like those for pneumonia and typhoid, are underused. It also calls for the development of new vaccines for diseases such as tuberculosis, which could prevent hundreds of thousands of AMR-related deaths each year. The WHO stresses that increasing vaccine access and development is crucial for preventing infections and reducing the burden of AMR. A comprehensive health approach is needed, particularly in low and middle-income countries with high rates of vaccine-preventable diseases.