According to Medical Xpress, keeping up with COVID-levels of hygiene awareness could help tackle the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which without intervention may lead to the death of 10 million people worldwide by 2050. Researchers from the University of West London’s School of Biomedical Sciences and Royal Holloway’s Department of Health Studies have analyzed the occurrence of AMR in urban areas and the threat it poses on lifesaving medications.
Resistant bacteria, which are predominantly found in densely populated areas and on frequently touched surfaces, are spreading everywhere from university campuses and public transportation to shopping carts. These researchers set out to identify and make recommendations for change and improvements to fight this threat. They’ve highlighted the benefits of monitoring AMR spread with technology and designing urban spaces with more hygienic transportation systems. Following these suggestions and maintaining good hand hygiene and infection control measures, which were adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, could lead to a major reduction in the transmission of AMR and other infectious diseases.
Dr. Jennifer Cole, lecturer from the Department of Health Studies at Royal Holloway, states that this study “shows the importance of not letting the greater emphasis on hygiene and infection control we’ve become used to during COVID-19 slip, as it is just as valuable at preventing flu and the bacteria that cause colds and sore throats too. Putting the science and social science together in this way is a great example of how working across disciplines can improve our understanding and help to deliver workable solutions.”
Professor Hermine Mkrtchyan, lead researcher on this report adds, “We are facing a serious threat to health, and the more we can learn and adapt from activity we have adopted during the pandemic and with growth in technology, the more easily we can bring about lasting change save lives.”
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