ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE (AMR)

Antimicrobials - including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics - are medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals and plants.

• Antibiotics - treat bacterial infections
• Antivirals - treat viral infections
• Antifungals - treat fungal infections
• Antiparasitics - treat parasitic infections

Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as "superbugs". These are strains of bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi that are resistant to most of the antibiotics and other medications commonly used to treat the infections they cause.

Antimicrobial resistance occurs naturally over time, usually through genetic changes. Antimicrobial resistant organisms are found in people, animals, food, plants and the environment (in water, soil and air). They can spread from person to person or between people and animals, including from food of animal origin.

NO. Humans or animals do NOT become resistant to antimicrobials; it is the microbes (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) that become resistant to the medicines designed to kill them.

The main drivers of antimicrobial resistance include:

• The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals and plants.
• Lack of access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for humans and animals.
• Poor infection and disease prevention and control in healthcare facilities and farms.
• Poor access to quality, affordable medicines, vaccines and diagnostics.
• Lack of awareness and knowledge.
• Lack of enforcement of legislation.

Antimicrobial misuse includes any scenario where medicines are used incorrectly, such as:

• Taking antibiotics for viral infections like colds, flu or sore throats.
• Not completing the prescribed course of treatment.
• Sharing or using leftover antibiotics from previous treatments.
• Self-medicating and buying antimicrobials over the counter without prescription.
• Overuse of antimicrobials in livestock for growth promotion rather than disease treatment.

AMR is a critical global public health threat because:

• Standard treatments become ineffective; infections persist and easily spread to others.
• Routine medical procedures like chemotherapy, organ transplants and surgeries become significantly higher risk.
• Increases treatment costs due to longer hospital stays, extensive testing and expensive second-line medicines.

Individuals can take vital actions to slow the spread of resistance:

• Only take antimicrobials when prescribed by a certified healthcare professional.
• Always complete the full prescribed treatment course, even when feeling better.
• Never demand antibiotics if your healthcare worker says you don't need them.
• Prevent infections by regularly washing hands, practicing food hygiene, and keeping vaccinations up-to-date.
• Never share or use leftover antimicrobials.