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Technology, Training and Task-shifting at the World’s Largest Mass Gathering in 2025: An Opportunity for Antibiotic Stewardship in India
Isaac H.Y. Chan;
Miriam Gofine;
Shitij Arora;
Ahmed Shaikh;
Satchit Balsari
ABSTRACT
The role of antibiotic overuse in intensifying selection pressures and contributing to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance are well-established. The Kumbh Mela, a religious festival occurring in four Indian cities of spiritual significance, is the world’s largest mass gathering, attracting over 80 million pilgrims in 2013. Digital syndromic surveillance from the 2013 and 2015 Melas demonstrates a consistent pattern of antibiotic overuse, with an antibiotic prescribing rate of up to 31% for all patient encounters. As preparations for the 2025 Kumbh Mela begin, task-shifting, point-of-care diagnostic and digital tools, robust clinician training, and community awareness can promote restrained and evidence-based use of antibiotics, minimizing the potential for emergence of antimicrobial resistance at the world’s largest mass gathering.
Citation
Please cite as:
Chan IH, Gofine M, Arora S, Shaikh A, Balsari S
Technology, Training, and Task Shifting at the World’s Largest Mass Gathering in 2025: An Opportunity for Antibiotic Stewardship in India