Antimicrobial
Resistance (AMR)
Why It Matters to All of Us ?
What is Antimicrobial Resistance?
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) happens when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites no longer respond to medicines that once worked against them. This means infections become harder to treat, take longer to heal, and can spread more easily to others.¹²
AMR develops naturally over time, but it is speeding up because of how we use—and misuse—antimicrobials. Taking antibiotics when they aren’t needed, not completing prescribed courses, or using them without medical advice gives germs the chance to adapt and fight back.¹
Why Is Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) So Challenging?
Stopping Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) isn’t easy, and there are real-world reasons behind it:
Antibiotics are often overused or misused
Many people still take antibiotics for viral infections like colds or flu, even though these medicines don’t work against viruses.¹³
We don’t always see resistance coming
In many parts of the world, limited testing and weak surveillance systems make it hard to detect resistant infections early.¹
Few new antibiotics are being developed
While resistance is increasing, the number of new antibiotics entering the market remains very small. This leaves doctors with fewer treatment options.⁴
Infections spread easily in healthcare settings
Overcrowding, poor hygiene, and limited infection-control measures allow resistant germs to pass from one person to another.¹
AMR knows no borders
Resistant infections can travel quickly across countries through people, food, and the environment, making AMR a global challenge—not a local one.²
How Does AMR Affect Human Life?
The impact of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) goes far beyond hospitals and laboratories—it affects everyday life:
Lives are being lost
Drug-resistant infections were directly responsible for about 1.27 million deaths worldwide in 2019, and played a role in nearly 5 million deaths overall.²
Routine treatments become risky
Common procedures like surgeries, chemotherapy, and care for newborns depend on effective antibiotics. Without them, even simple treatments become dangerous.¹⁴
Illness lasts longer and costs more
Resistant infections often mean longer hospital stays, stronger medicines, and higher medical costs for patients and families.¹
The most vulnerable suffer the most
Children, older adults, and people with weakened immunity face the highest risk, especially in settings with limited access to quality healthcare.⁵
What Can We Do to Prevent AMR?
The good news is that everyone has a role to play in slowing down AMR:
Use antimicrobials wisely
- • Take antibiotics only when prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.
- • Never pressure doctors for antibiotics if they say they aren’t needed.¹
Protect yourself from infections
- • Wash hands regularly and maintain good hygiene.
- • Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations to prevent infections in the first place.¹
Complete the full course
- • Always finish the full course of prescribed antibiotics, even if you feel better sooner.¹
Support better healthcare practices
• Encourage infection-prevention measures in hospitals and clinics.
• Support antimicrobial stewardship programs that promote responsible prescribing.³
Think beyond human health
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) must be addressed using a One Health approach, recognizing the close connection between human health, animal health, and the environment.¹
References
- Antimicrobial resistance – Fact sheet. WHO; 2023.
- Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019. The Lancet. 2022;399:629–655.
- Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance. WHO; 2015.
- Antibacterial agents in clinical and preclinical development. WHO; 2022.
- Drug-Resistant Infections: A Threat to Our Economic Future. World Bank; 2017.
- Infection prevention and control programmes: WHO guidelines. WHO; 2016.