Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health challenge, and its causes go beyond biology. Social and structural factors, like gender, socioeconomic status, and access to care shape who is most at risk and how antibiotics are used. This study focuses on gender and equity determinants of antimicrobial resistance in rural Pakistan, applying a gender and equity matrix to explore how these factors interact across infection susceptibility, care provision, and care uptake.
Our analysis highlighted key barriers: women’s limited mobility, lower health literacy, restricted decision-making, and financial constraints that deprioritise their care. Health services often fail to account for gender differences, amplifying AMR risks through inequitable access and antibiotic use patterns.
By mapping these determinants, the study identifies actionable strategies for policymakers and healthcare providers. Recommendations include gender-responsive health system design, improved provider–patient communication, and interventions to reduce economic and physical barriers to care.
This research offers a practical framework to integrate gender and equity considerations into AMR strategies, providing insights for Pakistan and other low-resource settings where social determinants influence health outcomes.
