About antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial agents are medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. The discovery of antimicrobials is one of the most important advances in health in human history - decreasing suffering from disease and saving lives.

• Discovery and development

The use and misuse of antimicrobials in human medicine and animal husbandry over the past 70 years has led to a relentless rise in the number and types of microorganisms resistant to these medicines - leading to death, increased suffering and disability, and higher healthcare costs.

• Emergence and spread
• Public health importance
• Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance

Two factors drive the rise and spread of resistant microbes: overuse and misuse of antimicrobials; and the spread of resistant organisms between individuals, communities, and countries. Combatting antimicrobial resistance thus requires interventions in two areas:

• Improving antimicrobial use
• Blocking transmission of resistant organisms

Urgent and coordinated action is required at local, national, and international levels to ensure the adequate treatment of patients today and the preservation of the life-saving power of antimicrobials for future generations.

• What WHO is doing
• WHO global strategy for containment of antimicrobial resistance
• Global patient safety challenge: Tackling antimicrobial resistance