Global research agenda for antimicrobial resistance in human health

Book excerpt: Antimicrobial resistance is a significant global health threat, linked to 4.95 million deaths in 2019, with low- and middle-income countries experiencing disproportionately higher mortality rates. A global research agenda has been developed to prioritize impactful topics for mitigating antimicrobial resistance in human health, focusing on WHO priority bacterial and fungal pathogens, as well as drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Through a systematic review and expert consultation, 2340 knowledge gaps were distilled into 175 research topics, with the top 40 selected based on expert opinion of feasibility, policy relevance, impact, and equity. This agenda aims to direct investment and action to the most pressing and relevant research, ultimately translating priorities into fundable proposals, especially for resource-limited settings.