8.1 The need for disaggregated data

Much of the surveillance data collected about resistant infections at a global level, for example in the WHO’s Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) is aggregated data. This means that it is not broken down by factors such as age, sex, geographic location or other equity-related indicators (such as refugee status). Therefore, very little is known about how the burden of resistant infections is spread within countries.

Disaggregated data supports AMR capacity-strengthening in countries because it provides context-specific understandings of burden of disease. Some countries already have data disaggregated by sex and age, and GLASS now lets you report in this way. It is critical that all countries start reporting disaggregated data to allow for an understanding of the burden of resistant infections within countries to understand which groups are most at risk or affected.

Activity 7: AMR surveillance and equity

Timing: Allow about 30 minutes

Read the GEAR up report on including intersectional indicators within AMR surveillance (GEAR up, 2024a).

As you read the report, note down whether any of these indicator suggestions are surprising to you – and if so, why?

To use this interactive functionality a free OU account is required. Sign in or register.
Interactive feature not available in single page view (see it in standard view).

Discussion

A truly intersectional approach requires a diverse set of equity variables and indicators. National action plans (NAPs) and surveillance systems are increasingly moving to include equity variables in surveillance data collection, but there is still a long way to go.

8 AMR surveillance and equity

8.2 Limits to surveillance data