Antimicrobial

Resistance Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of a pathogen to resist the effects of an antibiotic or other antimicrobial drug. It is one of the most serious global public health challenges as rising drug resistance threatens our ability to treat common infections and other diseases. Antimicrobial resistance can occur naturally or be acquired through gene mutations, but overuse and misuse of antibiotics is a major factor driving the emergence of AMR. This can include taking antibiotics for viral infections for which they are not effective, or not completing a full course of antibiotics when prescribed. AMR can have serious consequences, such as increased illness, disability and death. To tackle this growing threat, there is an urgent need for improved public health awareness, better infection prevention and control measures, and implementation of effective stewardship of existing antibiotics.