Antimicrobial Resistance: Policymaking and Policy Implementation
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a leading cause of death globally. In 2021, nearly 5 million deaths were associated with AMR and one million deaths were directly attributable to AMR. These numbers are projected to increase to 8 and 2 million deaths, respectively, by 2050 (Naghavi et al., 2024). AMR is caused by misuse and overuse of antimicrobials—including antibacterials, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics—in human health care and animal farming.

To better understand this problem, I analyse the implementation of China’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, including China’s provincial level action plans on AMR (funded by the World Health Organization, see this interview) and the role of social media (Douyin) in raising awareness about AMR. This research has been supported by the DKU Summer Research Scholar Program. In addition, I co-lead an international project on AMR & climate change, funded by Duke University.

The projects have been presented at National University of Singapore (2023), the DKU Summer Research Scholars Poster Session at Duke Kunshan University (November 2024), the 2nd One Health Conference of Antimicrobial Resistance Containment (November 2024), and at Tsinghua University (December 2024).

My research on antimicrobial resistance contributes to a better understanding of how national-level health policy is made at the national level in China (policy formulation) and how it is subsequently put into practice (policy implementation). Click here to read about my other research projects on policy processes in China.