Mexico’s Battle Against AMR Yields Results

Mexico's efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have proven effective, leading to a notable decrease in the lethality rate from antimicrobial-resistant infections, as reported by Mexico's Ministry of Health (SSA). By addressing this pressing public health issue, Mexico is enhancing patient outcomes and actively reducing healthcare costs associated with treating resistant infections.

AMR is increasing the global incidence of infectious diseases affecting the human population, constituting a significant danger to public health and development. Without effective control, this crisis could cause prolonged illness, increase healthcare costs, significant morbidity and, ultimately, severe economic setbacks by 2050, cautions the World Bank, as reported by MBN. 

“Unchecked, antimicrobial resistance will kill more people than cancer by 2050, at an estimated rate of 10 million lives per year,” wrote Rodrigo Puga, President and Country Manager, Pfizer Mexico for MBN.

In 2019, the world witnessed five million deaths attributed to antimicrobial resistance, with 1.27 million linked to healthcare interventions. However, recent data from Mexico indicates a positive trend, with a decrease in the lethality rate from antimicrobial-resistant infections, dropping from 6.71% in 2021 to 4.7% in 2023, according to Célida Duque, Director, Medical Benefits of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS).

The groundwork for this progress was laid in 2018 with the implementation of the National Strategy Against Antimicrobial Resistance (Enaram). Subsequent efforts in 2019 focused on solidifying regulations, leading to the establishment of the Official Mexican Standard governing epidemiological surveillance, prevention, and control of nosocomial infections, as reported by SSA.

Building on these foundations, 2022 saw the establishment of the Interinstitutional Health Sector Command and the signing of a collaboration agreement aimed at improving healthcare services. This agreement involved key healthcare entities such as the IMSS, the Institute of Security and Social Services for State Workers (ISSSTE), and the former Institute of Health for Well-being (INSABI).

The year 2023 marked further progress with the formation of the Technical Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance and the formalization of collaborative efforts at the state level. This was achieved through the establishment of State Interinstitutional Health Sector Commands (CEISS), fostering coordinated action across federal entities.