BACKGROUND: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to achieve global health equity by 2030. However, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. AMR increases morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs, particularly burdening low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study examines how AMR impacts SDG 3 targets in LMICs and identifies key challenges in current policies. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. PubMed, Google Scholar, and grey literature were searched from January 1 to February 1, 2025, including studies published between 2015 and 2025 on AMR and SDG 3 in LMICs. High-income country studies and non-AMR-related research were excluded. Only full-text articles in English were considered. Data were screened, thematically analyzed, and synthesized. Selection bias and subjectivity in data extraction were noted as potential limitations. RESULTS: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria out of 610 screened sources. AMR directly or indirectly affects eight SDG 3 targets, particularly universal health coverage, maternal and child health, and infectious disease control. The disproportionate burden of AMR in LMICs exacerbates health disparities, weakens healthcare systems, and hinders progress toward SDG 3. Addressing AMR requires a One Health approach, strengthened national action plans, and equitable access to healthcare resources. CONCLUSION: This review shows that AMR is a major barrier to achieving SDG 3, impacting multiple health targets and disproportionately affecting LMICs. Urgent policy interventions, improved surveillance, and global collaboration are essential to mitigate AMR's effects and ensure progress toward SDG 3.
Malik et al. (Fri,) studied this question.