World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week: 18–24 November 2024 Illustration: Antimicrobial resistance
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) to withstand the action of antimicrobial drugs. It makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.
What contributes to AMR?
- Inappropriate and excessive use of antimicrobial drugs.
- Lack of access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene.
- Inadequate infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities and on farms.
- Lack of affordable, high-quality antimicrobial drugs, vaccines and diagnostics.
- Low awareness of the problem and non-compliance with the law.
What can we do together?
- Rational use of medicines: Antimicrobial drugs should be used only as prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication or overuse of antibiotics not only fails to help but also does harm by increasing the resistance of pathogens.
- Infection prevention: Wash your hands regularly, maintain good hygiene and get vaccinated to reduce the risk of infections that require antibiotics. This reduces the need for these drugs, which in turn slows the development of resistance.
- Sharing information: Educational materials that explain the importance of rational antibiotic use can help reduce their misuse. Shared awareness and responsibility for our health can have a decisive impact on the future of safe medicine.
We urge everyone to think about the importance of appropriate antibiotic therapy and to share this knowledge, as it will help preserve the effectiveness of medicines for future generations.