Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), also known as drug resistance – occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites evolve to resist the effects of medications that once killed them or inhibited their growth. When the microorganisms become resistant to most antimicrobials they are often referred to as “superbugs”.

AMR is driven by the overuse and misuse of antimicrobial agents in humans, animals, and agriculture – and makes infections more difficult to manage – leading to longer illness, higher costs, and higher risk of death.

WHO Country Office for India supports various activities and initiatives aligned with priorities of India’s National Action Plan on AMR, including development of sub-national action plans, AMR awareness and understanding activities, networks for surveillance of AMR and antimicrobial consumptions and use, preventing and controlling infections, optimizing antimicrobial use, encouraging research and innovations – in coordination and collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Quadripartite organizations.

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AMR Sameeksha

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AMR research covers pharmacy education surveillance antibiotic use wastewater and typhoid burden

Sameeksha is a Hindi word, meaning review. This is a compilation of open access publications and resources on One Health containment of AMR (along with...

WHO India rep speaks on antimicrobial resistance week, promoting safe antibiotic use for safer care

Sameeksha is a Hindi word, meaning review. This compilation of recent open access publications and resources on containment of AMR (with a bulleted...

Anti-microbial Resistance Volume 42 thumbnail
19 February 2026

AMR Sameeksha Volume 42

Sameeksha is a Hindi word, meaning review. This compilation of recent open access publications and resources on containment of AMR (with a bulleted...

thumbnail image for amr sameeksha vol 41

Sameeksha is a Hindi word, meaning review. This is a compilation of open access publications and resources on One Health containment of AMR (along with...

Important Documents

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Infographics

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News

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Publications

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Integration of equity into national action plans on antimicrobial resistance: guidance to complement the people-centred approach

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a major threat to global health and development, yet equity remains insufficiently addressed in AMR policy and practice....

Understanding antibiotic access in the WHO African Region: results of a multicountry survey and stakeholder roundtables

This report presents findings from a multi-country survey and stakeholder roundtables conducted to better understand antibiotic access challenges in the...

Blueprint for strengthening responses to fungal disease and antifungal resistance

The Blueprint for strengthening responses to fungal disease and antifungal resistance Implementation guidance, provides a structured, operational...

Strengthening clinical diagnostic stewardship in the Western Pacific Region: a practical manual

Clinical diagnostic stewardship – taking the right test in the right way at the right time and using the results correctly, saves lives. Fighting...

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