Antimicrobial Resistance
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Antimicrobial agents are considered "miracle drugs" that are our leading weapons in the treatment of infectious diseases. Antimicrobial resistance is the ability of microorganisms to withstand attack by antimicrobials, and the growing rise in resistant pathogens threatens lives and wastes limited healthcare resources.
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Microbes and Antimicrobial Agents
Antimicrobial agents are medicines used to treat infections 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.
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More information
The rise in resistant microorganisms
The use and misuse of antimicrobials over the past 70 years has led to a relentless rise in the number and types of microorganisms resistant to the action of these medicines - leading to death, increased suffering and disability, and higher healthcare costs.
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Emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance
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Public health importance
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Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance
What can be done?
Two factors drive the rise and spread of resistant microbes: 1. Overuse and misuse of antimicrobials and 2. the spread of resistant organisms between individuals, communities, and countries. Consequently, interventions are needed in two areas:
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Improving antimicrobial use
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Blocking transmission of resistant organisms
Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance
Urgent 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.
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What WHO is doing
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WHO Global Strategy for Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance
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Global Patient Safety Challenge: Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance
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