What Antimicrobial Resistance is

Antimicrobials are medicines such as antibiotics, antifungals and antivirals, that are used to treat infections in humans and animals. These medicines are essential to protect human and animal health, as well as animal welfare. Antimicrobial resistance, in particular antibiotic resistance, is a growing global public health threat. Excessive or inappropriate use of antibiotics can lead to the emergence of resistant bacteria which do not respond to antibiotic treatment, as seen in recent decades. This phenomenon, called antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which poses a threat to disease control throughout the world, is a primary concern for human and animal health.

It is by ensuring the responsible and prudent use of these invaluable medicines in people and animals that we will be able to safeguard their efficacy.