The healthcare and medicine sector has developed worldwide, providing access to many medicines and treatments for the population, which ensures better overall health and well-being of the nation. However, there is one side-effect which has started to become a threat worldwide: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It is growing rapidly among many individuals and can pose a great danger to immunity and health as medicines lose their efficiency in fighting microbes. 

In 2019, around 4.95 million deaths were associated with drug-resistant diseases in India, and approx. 1.27 million deaths were directly caused by AMR. The Ministry of Health recently posted on X (formerly Twitter) about the dangers of antimicrobial resistance and how to prevent it. 

 

 

What is antimicrobial resistance?

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the resistance exhibited by microorganisms towards the medicine made to kill it. Microbes such as fungi, bacteria, parasites, and viruses can become immune to these drugs. There can be many reasons for this, but the primary contributor to this problem is the overuse of antimicrobial drugs, which has led to the microbes evolving resistance against them. 

Ways to prevent antimicrobial resistance

Following are some ways to prevent AMR:

  • Consult a doctor before consuming any antibiotic drugs. 
  • Do not use leftover drugs or share them with others. 
  • Ensure proper vaccination to fight infections and reduce the need for antibiotics.
  • Take care of your hygiene, especially hand hygiene, to prevent the spread of germs. 
  • Take proper infection precautions such as covering your mouth while sneezing or coughing 
  • Prepare and handle food items safely to avoid foodborne illnesses 
  • Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces 

 

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