A layered strategy for tackling antimicrobial resistance: the Swiss cheese model for policy, prevention, and engagement

Murphy’s Law, “anything that can go wrong will go wrong”,1 finds no more fitting application in public health than in the case of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR will emerge whenever conditions permit. Despite robust evidence on the health and economic burdens of AMR, policy makers, governments, and international organisations face persistent challenges in implementing and financing comprehensive strategies.2 Low political will, competing health priorities, weak health systems, and economic constraints hinder meaningful action.