FAQ’S
AMR is a condition when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites evolve and become resistant to antimicrobial medications (like antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals). This makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death.
AMR is a global health issue because it can make routine infections difficult or impossible to treat. Common treatments become ineffective, leading to prolonged illness, higher healthcare costs, and increased mortality.
No, AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance) is not a disease itself. When a patient is said to have antimicrobial resistance, it means they have an illness caused by a pathogen (like bacteria, viruses, or fungi) that has developed resistance to the medications meant to treat it. This makes treating the infection difficult. When this resistant pathogen spreads to others through infections or environmental systems, it brings the antimicrobial resistance with it, making more infections harder to treat. In essence, antimicrobial resistance spreads with the pathogen, not as a disease but as a condition that impacts global health systems.
A common misconception is that antibiotics themselves stop working or become less effective. In reality, it’s the microorganisms—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—that evolve and develop resistance to antimicrobials. When these pathogens are exposed to antibiotics or other treatments, some may survive due to natural genetic mutations that make them resistant. Over time, these resistant strains multiply and spread, rendering treatments less effective or even useless. This is why it’s crucial to use antimicrobials responsibly and only when necessary—to prevent giving these microorganisms the chance to adapt and resist.
Bacteria can develop resistance through genetic changes (mutations) or by acquiring resistance genes from other bacteria. Overusing or misusing antibiotics accelerates this process.
No, AMR can affect anyone, whether or not they’ve taken antibiotics. Resistant bacteria can spread between people, animals, and the environment, meaning even those who haven’t taken antibiotics can get an infection that’s difficult to treat.
One Health recognizes that human health is connected to animal health and the environment. AMR spreads across humans, animals, and the environment, so combating it requires a coordinated approach across these sectors.
In agriculture, antibiotics are often used to promote animal growth or prevent infections, which can lead to the development of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. These resistant bacteria can enter the environment through animal waste, contaminating soil and water. Resistant pathogens can then be passed to humans through food consumption, direct animal contact, or environmental exposure, such as contaminated water sources.
AMR is recognized as one of the top global health threats. It is responsible for 1.3 million deaths annually and contributes to an additional 5 million deaths, outpacing diseases like HIV and malaria in its impact. Without urgent intervention, AMR could lead to 39 million deaths by 2050.
You can help prevent AMR by:
Using antibiotics only when prescribed.
Completing the full course of antibiotics.
Practicing good hygiene to prevent infections.
Avoiding sharing antibiotics with others.
Promoting vaccination to prevent infections.