WHO Releases Bibliography on Antimicrobial Resistance

Antibiotics and other medicines. Photo- WHO-Jim Holmes

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently published a comprehensive bibliography of scientific publications on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) from its South-East Asia Region covering the period from 1990 to 2010 — a commendable and much-needed effort in the global fight against drug-resistant infections.

Antibiotics are considered one of the most transformative medical advances in history. Their widespread use has dramatically reduced illness, death, and economic burden caused by infectious diseases. Yet, this progress is increasingly threatened by the rise of antimicrobial resistance. Resistant bacteria—some defying multiple antibiotics—are becoming alarmingly common, rendering many treatments less effective or even obsolete.

AMR is no longer a localised issue. In an era of global travel and trade, resistant organisms spread swiftly across borders, carried by people, animals, and the food chain. Diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV are already affected, hampering progress toward global health goals.

The new WHO bibliography plays a crucial role in addressing this challenge. By consolidating scientific publications from countries across the South-East Asia Region, it serves as a vital reference for researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals. It not only demonstrates the scope of AMR in individual nations, but also helps map expertise and track trends across the region.

Such bibliographies are more than just collections of documents—they are essential tools for evidence-based action. They help identify knowledge gaps, foster collaboration, and support informed policy development.

We commend WHO for this significant contribution. This bibliography is not just a compilation—it is a call to action.

Download the bibliography here: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/sea-hlm-416

- Third World Network