# Vaccines as antimicrobial resistance control tools: evidence from pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in South Africa

## TL;DR

Vaccines, like pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in South Africa, can help reduce antimicrobial resistance by lowering drug-resistant infections.

## Contribution

Demonstrates that pneumococcal vaccines significantly reduce resistant strains, offering a novel AMR control strategy in Africa.

## Key findings

- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines reduced drug-resistant pneumococcal infections by 67-96% in South Africa.
- Vaccines offer a cost-effective way to combat antimicrobial resistance while reducing disease burden in Africa.

## Abstract

The Expanded Programme on Immunisation demonstrated remarkable success for 50 years, accounting for 52% reduction in infant mortality in Africa. As antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to be a threat in Africa, responsible for 250,000 deaths in WHO African region in 2019, vaccines offer proven solutions. Studies from South Africa demonstrate that pneumococcal conjugate vaccines significantly reduced drug-resistant pneumococcal infections, with 67-96% reductions in resistant strains. Increasing immunisation coverage in Africa, reduces disease burden while providing a cost-effective strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance.