ISSUES
SOCIAL
Approximately 90% of the world's population lives in a country that is developing, or has already currently developed an action plan to fight antimicrobial resistance. The majority of the participating countries are high-income, with the resources and infrastructure needed to carry out these plans. Yet low-income countries are unequipped to handle the massive issue that is being presented by superbugs. Therefore, these countries will need the most support in rallying the resources to fight superbugs. And it is the moral duty of countries that are already well-equipped to provide financial and informational support, to ensure the prosperity of humans as a species.
LAWS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS
In order to effectively battle superbugs, all parties must be fully committed to the cause. Not only civilians and healthcare personnel, but politicians and lawmakers must contribute as well. Due to the ever-changing nature of drug discovery, new policies must be flexible to allow for new information, and the prioritizing of certain treatments. Additionally, regulations must be developed to check the safety of all new treatments before they reach the public and to discourage illegal activity. Though pharmaceuticals provide substantial economic opportunities, the price of any medicines or methods should be properly adjusted, so that people of every class of people have access to them.
ETHICAL
One issue with the war against superbugs, is the restriction of antibiotic use. A balance is needed between the benefit of the common good as well as the individual. Thus, the criteria for how severe or specific an infection must be to prescribe antibiotics comes into question. The restriction of antibiotics could also put the autonomy of physicians in jeopardy. Doctors often prescribe drugs and treatments because of how well it will suit the patient, and how effective it will be in treating illnesses. This disregards the needs, preferences, and opinions of patients, and restricts the variety of treatment that is available to them.
The overall availability of new treatments also comes into play. The socioeconomic standards of an individual determine if they can afford treatment. The risk superbugs pose is universal and non-discriminatory, therefore treatment must be that way as well.
SUPERBUGS
Stopping the Drug-resistance Epidemic
