Strategies to reduce antimicrobial resistance in newborns in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(25)00533-9/fulltext

(open Access)

Strategies to reduce antimicrobial resistance in newborns in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Rachel Lee Him, Davneet Sihota, Leila Harrison, Angela Dramowski, Susan E Coffin, Davidson H Hamer, Zulfiqar A Bhutta

Lancet Glob Health 2026; 14: e524–38

Summary Background

Optimal strategies to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and their effect on newborns in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) remain unclear. We assessed the effectiveness of AMR mitigation strategies for newborn care in LMICs.

Interpretation

To improve clinical outcomes, interventions targeting the control of antimicrobials alone will not

suffice. Our results showed that three types of interventions (regulation, education, and optimisation) must be taken

together to reduce AMR. These results can inform and accelerate guidance development for multi-dimensional,

holistic, and integrated maternal and newborn care programmes in LMICs.

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