Reducing antibiotic use through vaccination
A new WHO report indicates that vaccines targeting 23 pathogens (excluding gonorrhea) could reduce global antibiotic usage by 22%, equating to 2.5 billion defined daily doses annually. This reduction supports global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which occurs when microbes no longer respond to treatments, leading to increased illness and mortality. Approximately 5 million deaths each year are linked to AMR.
Vaccines are crucial for preventing infections, decreasing antibiotic use, and limiting the spread of drug-resistant pathogens. The report estimates that existing vaccines for pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae type B, and typhoid could prevent up to 106,000 AMR-related deaths annually. Furthermore, new vaccines for tuberculosis and Klebsiella pneumoniae could avert an additional 543,000 deaths.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of prevention through vaccination. The report suggests that improved vaccination coverage could save millions of antibiotic doses each year and significantly reduce the economic burden of AMR, estimated at $730 billion in annual hospital costs.
A comprehensive approach to health systems is necessary to enhance infection prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Recent UN commitments aim to reduce AMR-related deaths by 10% by 2030, underscoring the need for access to vaccines and treatments.
The report evaluates 44 vaccines targeting 24 pathogens, highlighting the critical role of vaccination in addressing AMR effectively.
