Our vision/ antimicrobial stewardship

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health crisis that occurs when microbes, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, develop the ability to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs, which are medicines used to treat infections. This resistance makes it difficult or impossible to treat infections caused by these microbes, leading to more serious illnesses, longer hospital stays, and increased mortality rates.

How Antimicrobial Resistance Happens

Antimicrobial resistance is a natural process that occurs through genetic changes in microbes. These changes can occur randomly or be acquired through horizontal gene transfer, where genetic material is exchanged between microbes. When a microbe develops resistance to an antimicrobial drug, it can pass this resistance on to other microbes, making the problem even more widespread.

The Dangers of Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to global health, as it can make common infections difficult or impossible to treat. This can lead to a number of serious consequences, including:

• Increased mortality rates: Resistant infections can be more difficult to treat, leading to higher rates of death and disability.

• Longer hospital stays: Patients with resistant infections often require longer hospital stays, which can lead to increased healthcare costs and a greater risk of complications.

• Spread of resistant infections: Resistant microbes can spread easily between people, making it difficult to control outbreaks of infection.

Factors Contributing to Antimicrobial Resistance

Several factors contribute to the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance, including:

• Overuse and misuse of antimicrobials: The overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and agriculture are major drivers of antimicrobial resistance. When antimicrobials are used unnecessarily or incorrectly, they can create an environment where resistant microbes are more likely to thrive.

• Lack of access to clean water and sanitation: Poor sanitation and hygiene practices can contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, which can lead to increased use of antimicrobials and the development of resistance.

• Lack of investment in research and development of new antimicrobials: The development of new antimicrobial drugs is expensive and time-consuming. As a result, there is a lack of investment in research and development, which makes it difficult to keep up with the emergence of new resistant microbes.

Preventing and Combating Antimicrobial Resistance

Several strategies can be used to prevent and combat antimicrobial resistance, including:

• Promoting the responsible use of antimicrobials: It is important to use antimicrobials only when they are truly needed and to follow the prescribed dosage and duration of treatment.

• Improving sanitation and hygiene: Good sanitation and hygiene practices can help to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and reduce the need for antimicrobials.

• Investing in research and development of new antimicrobials: Increased investment in research and development is needed to develop new antimicrobial drugs and other tools to combat antimicrobial resistance.

• Strengthening surveillance and monitoring systems: Effective surveillance and monitoring systems can help to track the spread of antimicrobial resistance and identify outbreaks early.

• Promoting infection prevention and control practices: Strict infection prevention and control practices can help to reduce the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

Antimicrobial resistance is a serious global health threat that requires a coordinated effort to address. By taking steps to prevent and combat antimicrobial resistance, we can help to protect public health and ensure that future generations have access to effective antimicrobial treatments.