Civil Society Role in Containment of AMR

Civil society organisations (CSOs) are vital for strengthening health systems and tackling public health issues like antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Operating independently of governments and the private sector, CSOs connect communities and healthcare providers through advocacy, service delivery, awareness-raising, and the empowerment of marginalised groups. Their roles in AMR containment are varied—ranging from educational campaigns and community outreach to policy influence, promoting responsible antibiotic use, supporting operational research, and fostering multisector collaborations. Groups such as ReAct, the Antibiotic Resistance Coalition, and the South Centre have had significant impacts on global policy, while others, such as CHAI, GARDP, and REACH, focus on diagnostics, research, and community engagement. The WHO collaborates with CSOs via its Civil Society Task Force on AMR, amplifying the voices of survivors and communities. However, CSOs face challenges like limited funding, regulatory hurdles, capacity gaps, and fragmented efforts. Strengthening partnerships, improving training, fostering accountability, and integrating CSOs into national action plans are essential steps to harness their potential in fighting AMR and achieving sustainable health outcomes.