SOAS Research Online

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest threats, particularly in low-and middleincome countries (LMIC) where antibiotics are readily available for consumption. Global disparities in AMR levels can be attributed to various factors. In this study, we have used historical and latest surveys in Europe and Sri Lanka to understand potential socio-economic and cultural drivers of national and regional variations in AMR awareness. Our EU-Sri Lanka comparative study has indicated that the AMR awareness in the selected four regions of Sri Lanka remains relatively low compared to four socio-economically comparable regions in the European countries. Our analysis has also highlighted that improving underlying socioeconomic conditions, such as providing better social safety nets, can be crucial to significantly reduce AMR. In addition, implementing targeted interventions to efficiently utilise limited funding in LMIC settings is critical, as large-scale communication programmes are often resource intensive