Using ‘smart regulation’ to tackle antimicrobial resistance in low-income and middle-income countries

Optimisation of antibiotic use is an essential element of any regulatory framework for tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR). On its own, the traditional command-and-control approach to regulation is poorly suited to this task. A regulatory toolbox comprising different regulatory instruments of varying strengths and targeting different actors is required. This paper considers the potential application of the concept of ‘smart regulation’ involving various stakeholders to develop an alternative framework with a menu of options for the regulation of AMR in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).