The World Health Organization has announced the members of the first Task Force of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) survivors. The members of the Task Force will serve as champions who can help shape the AMR narrative globally and influence policies that affect AMR. They will also contribute to improvements in AMR messaging so that the ‘human face’ of AMR is presented alongside messages that increase awareness of AMR.
The Task Force is constituted of people who have survived drug-resistant infections themselves or cared for those with serious drug-resistant infections. The Task Force has representation from those who were affected by drug resistant bacterial, tuberculosis, HIV and fungal infections.
Survivors of AMR infections and their caregivers have unique perspectives on the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and care they received (or did not receive). Their ideas and experiences on how patients, health care providers, and communities can better deal with drug-resistant infections are invaluable and can help shape improved patient-centered care. Patient stories can help humanize a complex, technical health and development challenge.
The inaugural meeting of the WHO Task Force of AMR Survivors is being held from 10-11 October 2023.
@WHO
The members of the Task Force are:
- Anthony Darcovich, USA
- Bhakti Chavan, India
- Brandon Jaka, Zimbabwe
- Felix Liauw, Indonesia
- Gabriella Balasa, USA
- John Kariuki Muhia, Kenya
- Mashood Lawal, Nigeria
- Nour Shamas, Lebanon
- Rob Purdie, USA
- Sue Charles, UK
- Tori Kinamon, USA
- Vanessa Carter, South Africa/United Kingdom