Virtual Dialogue: The crucial role of data in addressing antimicrobial resistance for better cancer care

Background

People with cancer are more susceptible to infections due to the lowering of their immune defences.  As many as one in five cancer patients undergoing treatment is hospitalized due to an infection and infections are the second leading cause of death for people living with cancer.[1] The emergence of drug-resistant pathogens are negatively affecting cancer care and if action is not taken now, all the progress made in cancer care will be undermined.

Data on the impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on cancer care remains limited. To effectively address this issue, it is critical to prioritize data collection and surveillance. They are essential in informing evidence-based policy and interventions.

Speakers 

• Chair: Sonali Johnson, Head of Knowledge Advocacy and Policy, Union for International Cancer Control 

• Diane Flayhart, Director, Global Public Health, Life Sciences, BD

• Scott Howard, Deputy Director, Yeolyan Hematology/Oncology Center, Yerevan, Armenia; Global Development Officer, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona

• Olga Tosas Auguet, Technical Officer, Antimicrobial Resistance, World Health Organization

• Holly Rhyner-Jones, Head, The Fleming Fund, UK Department of Health and Social Care

Watch the recording below