The Syndemic Threat: A Review of the Health Security Implications of Concurrent and Interacting Outbreaks
Abstract
Background: The concept of syndemic has been particularly important in the modern idea of describing co-occurring health crises that interact synergistically. The COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing pandemic of AMR represent a prime example of such synergistic threats.
Aim: This review reflects on the health security implications of the COVID-19-AMR syndemic, with a specific focus on how these intertwined crises together overwhelmed the health systems and amplified vulnerabilities.
Methods: Literature synthesis from 2014 to 2024 was conducted to understand the mechanisms and implications of this syndemic interaction.
Results: The review found that COVID-19 exacerbated AMR through rampant antibiotic misuse, disrupted stewardship programs, and breakdowns in infection control. On the other hand, AMR complicates COVID-19 management through increased secondary infections and mortality. The syndemic also exposed broader system fragilities, including resource diversion, healthcare worker burnout, and collateral damage to essential services like immunization programs.
Conclusion: The COVID-19-AMR syndemic demonstrates that single-disease preparedness is inadequate. What is urgently needed to build back better is a reinforced health security framework based on integrated surveillance, "One Health" principles, resilient health systems, and proactive communication in response to future complex threats.
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2024 Joori Ahmad Ibrahim Alessa, Abdullah Abdulkarim Ibrahim Altuwayjiri, Ahmed Abdullah Mohammed Almousa, Sultan Abdulrazaq Saad Alanazi, Atheer Mohammad Olayan Almutairi, Reem Falah Ali Almutairi
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