Antimicrobial resistance

The emerging and steady increase of microbes that are resistant to antimicrobial treatments has become a global public health concern that threatens the effective treatment of infectious diseases, increasing the cost of healthcaredue to longer duration of illness, additional tests and use of more expensive drugs.

The (over)use and misuse of antimicrobials additionally accelerates the emergence of resistant strains of microbes, for examplewhen antibiotics are taken by people with viral infections like colds and flu, and when they are given as growth promoters in animals or used to prevent diseases in healthy animals.

Antimicrobial-resistant microbes are found in people, animals, food and the environment (in water, soil and air). They can spread between people and animals, including from food of animal origin, and from person to person, thus affecting both humans and animals.

The lack of new antimicrobials entering the market also exacerbates the problem: while there are some new antimicrobials in development, none of them are expected to be effective against the most dangerous forms of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem, requiring joint efforts from all nations and many sectors. Single, isolated interventions have limited impact –a comprehensive approach with coordinated action is required to minimise the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance;in addition, greater innovation and investment are required in research and development of new antimicrobial medicines, vaccines and diagnostic tools.