What is AMR?
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most urgent public health challenges facing humanity, driven by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. AMR occurs when antimicrobial medicines become ineffective against pathogens as they develop resistance. Consequently, infections become difficult or even impossible to treat, increasing the risk of severe illness, disease spread and mortality.
Citation
The Antibiotic Discovery Void
It is important to recognize that AMR cannot be solved by simply discovering one or a few new antibiotics.
Without responsible use, pathogens will inevitably develop resistance to any antibiotic.
Advocating for responsible and prudent use of antibiotics is essential to slowing resistance and preserving the effectiveness of current and future treatments.
The widening gap between the rapid spread of AMR and the slow pace of novel antibiotic discovery has marked a critical challenge to public health. The world now faces increasingly limited options to treat infections effectively.
​
Citation
AMR is a natural phenomenon that occurs through genetic changes of the pathogen. However, Its emergence and spread are significantly accelerated by human activity, particularly the misuse and overuse of antimicrobial medications.
Antibiotic Misuse and Overuse
-
About one-third of antibiotic prescriptions in humans are unnecessary or inappropriate.
-
Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat viral infections, which do not respond to these medications.
Over prescribing of antibiotics
-
More than 80% of animals are being treated with antibiotics for food production
-
Lead to the antimicrobial residues in animal-derived food, posing a significant public health risk
Overuse of antimicrobials in animals
-
Broad-spectrum antibiotics target both harmful and beneficial bacteria in the body
-
The disruption of the normal microbial flora creates an environment favorable for resistant bacteria can thrive, increasing the risk of AMR spread
Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics
-
Patients frequently fail to complete the full prescribed course of antibiotics.
-
This incomplete use creates selection pressure, driving genetic changes in bacteria that lead to resistance.
Underutilization of antibiotics
30 % to 90% of antibiotics are not absorbed by human body and excreted through urine and feces
Around 75% of antibiotics are not absorbed by the animals and excreted through urine and feces
Antibiotic Consumption
70% are consumed by animals
30% are consumed by humans
Antibiotics are only partially digested and absorbed by human and animals
Environment
Landfill
Livestock
Agriculture
Human
Unused antibiotics
Wastewater treatment
​
Food
Hospital
AMR Dissemination Pathway
Manure and water waste
The Impact of AMR
10M
Global Deaths
Up to 10 million deaths could occur annually by 2050 if AMR is left unsolved
US$ 3.4 trillion
GDP loss
AMR could result up to US$3.4 trillion GDP loss off annually by 2030
Post-antibiotic
era
A future where minor injuries could be fatal
Actions
One Health Approach
-
WHO Global Action Plan on AMR
-
AMR Stewardships
-
Adequate waste and wastewater containment and treatment
-
Infection control and prevention measures
-
Antimicrobial resistance surveillance