Future-Proofing Access: New Initiative to Strengthen Antimicrobial Demand Forecasting for Health Security
Understanding what medicines will be needed, where, when, and in what quantities is fundamental to ensuring timely access to treatment. Yet despite its importance, demand forecasting for antimicrobials remains an under-explored area, with many countries facing common challenges in quantifying patient needs and translating available data into reliable forecasts.
To help address this gap, the Global AMR R&D Hub has launched Future-Proofing Access: Antimicrobial Demand Forecasting for Health Security, a new initiative supported by the International Health Grants Program (IHGP) and the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Task Force at the Public Health Agency of Canada.
The initiative builds on discussions held during Canada’s G7 Presidency and the Hub’s Pull Incentives Working Group, where governments and technical experts highlighted the need to strengthen demand forecasting as a foundation for antimicrobial access, innovation, and health security.
A central component of the project is the establishment of a Community of Practice, which brings together governments and technical organisations to exchange experiences, identify common challenges, and share approaches to forecasting demand for antimicrobials.
In May, participants met for the inaugural Community of Practice meeting, marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to advance knowledge, strengthen forecasting practices, and support evidence-informed decision-making.
The Global AMR R&D Hub is grateful to the Government of Canada for its support through the International Health Grants Program and to all participating partners for contributing their expertise to this important initiative.
Updates on the project and its findings will be shared as the work progresses.
