Bridging the Divide: Why AMR and NCDs, especially cancer care, need an urgent and unified global response

Author: Shalini Jayasekar Zurn, Senior Advocacy Manager, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)

The upcoming fourth UN High-Level Meeting (HLM) of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and the promotion of mental health and well-being presents a critical opportunity to spotlight the often overlooked but increasingly urgent intersection between NCDs and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These two global health threats, often addressed in silos, are in fact deeply interconnected.

At the heart of this intersection are shared risk drivers. Poor diets, air pollution, and weak health systems not only fuel the rise of NCDs such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, but also create fertile ground for the spread of drug-resistant infections. For example, air pollution is a contributor to respiratory diseases and simultaneously increases susceptibility to infections that may require treatment with antimicrobials like antibiotics, which are often inappropriately prescribed, thereby accelerating AMR.

The clinical overlap is equally concerning. People living with NCDs, especially cancer are more vulnerable to infections due to compromised immune systems, frequent hospitalisations, and invasive surgical procedures. Cancer patients face an increased risk of infections (including drug- resistant infections). In fact, infections are the second leading cause of death in cancer patients after the cancer itself and infections can lead to the delay or interruption of cancer treatments, negatively impacting the overall effectiveness of the therapy. Furthermore, two studies recently published in The Lancet Oncology highlight the high burden of AMR in cancer patients. One study by the Cancer and AMR Consortium found that cancer patients face AMR infections at up to three times the rate of those without cancer. A large scoping review of patients with blood cancers found that 35% of bacterial infections in this group involved resistant pathogens, with bloodstream infections being the most common. This review also showed high resistance to key antibiotics and increased mortality linked to AMR. AMR is a growing threat to the treatment of NCDs, especially in cancer, and must be addressed through integrated strategies that include effective antimicrobial stewardship, robust infection prevention and control practises, sustained access to quality antimicrobials and diagnostics and improved AMR surveillance systems tailored to cancer care. An important starting point is to include AMR in national cancer control plans. Another critical step is continuous collaboration between cancer and infectious disease health workers in addressing AMR, ensuring effective antimicrobial stewardship and better treatment outcomes.

Access to medicines and diagnostics is another challenge. In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), patients face the dual challenge of limited access to essential cancer medicines and inappropriate access to antimicrobials for the treatment of infections (and drug-resistant infections) during their cancer treatment journey. This not only undermines treatment for the cancer but also fuels antimicrobial resistance. UICC and the UICC led Task Force on Cancer and AMR emphasises the need for equitable access to quality assured essential cancer medicines and diagnostics, including antimicrobials, while also strengthening regulatory systems capacity and pushing for resilient medicine supply chains.

Integrated solutions are both necessary and achievable. Standardised surveillance systems that track both AMR and NCD data can provide a more holistic picture for policy change based on up to date and evolving epidemiological data. Prevention strategies, such as promoting healthy diets and a sustainable food chain (that follow responsible antimicrobial use in food systems) and reducing exposure to air pollution can simultaneously reduce the risk of developing NCDs and the need for antimicrobials. Joint awareness campaigns can shift public behaviour across sectors, while coordinated funding mechanisms can prevent fragmented responses.

The upcoming HLM in September 2025 is a pivotal moment to ensure AMR is included within the broader NCD agenda. The alignment of AMR and NCD strategies under a unified health systems approach, grounded in universal health coverage and equity can yield cross-cutting benefits in addressing AMR and improving NCD care outcomes.

By recognising the interplay between AMR and NCDs, the global community can come together and move towards more sustainable policies that protect both current and future generations.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is the sole responsibility of its authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of the AMR Partnership Platform, the Quadripartite organizations, or their respective members. The article has been submitted by the authors to the AMR Partnership Platform as part of its knowledge-sharing function. While the Platform facilitates dissemination, it does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information contained herein.