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Antimicrobial resistance

    Overview

    Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi.

    AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. As a result, the medicines become ineffective and infections persist in the body, increasing the risk of spread to others.

    Antimicrobials - including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics - are medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals and plants. Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as “superbugs”.

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    The selection and use of essential medicines, 2025: WHO AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) classification of antibiotics for evaluation and monitoring of use

    he AWaRe classification is intended as a tool for monitoring antibiotic consumption, defining targets and monitoring the effects of stewardship policies...

    In vitro diagnostic tests for serious bacterial infection, including neonatal sepsis, among infants aged 0–59 days: target product profile

    An estimated 2.3 million newborns die each year. Low- and middle-income countries bear the greatest mortality burden, with sepsis contributing 15%. It...

    Bibliography of Scientific Publications on Antimicrobial Resistance from South-East Asia Region (‎1990-2010)‎

    Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is now the most important challenge being faced by humanity in its fight against infectious diseases. The emergence...

    Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (‎GLASS)‎ report: antibiotic use data for 2022

    This Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) report describes global progress in GLASS-AMU surveillance and antibiotic use...

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    Country profiles

    Country profiles present selected data, statistics and information to provide national health profiles at given points in time.
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