Transitioning to People-Centred Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat, and many public health surveillance programmes rely on blood cultures to monitor resistance patterns. While blood cultures are essential diagnostic tools for patients with suspected sepsis or bloodstream infections, investments in blood culture–based AMR surveillance may not fully support patient care if their diagnostic role is not optimized. The authors argue that blood cultures should be prioritized as clinical diagnostic tools, enabling local hospitals to use and act on their own data. Strengthening the diagnostic function of blood cultures can improve patient outcomes while enhancing the sustainability and effectiveness of global AMR surveillance efforts.