With the growing threat of drug-resistant infections, each of us has a vital role to play in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to the medicines designed to treat them. As these organisms become resistant, antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents lose their effectiveness, making infections increasingly challenging to manage. As we observe World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) from 18 to 24 November, we call for more urgent action and greater awareness of AMR. AMR is a global emergency, identified as one of the top public health threats by the World Health Organization.
This year, WAAW is commemorated under the theme: Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,” which emphasises the pressing need for coordinated and robust action to address AMR. At the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), we are playing our part in increasing awareness and surveillance of AMR. The public can explore our comprehensive AMR dashboard, which provides real-time data and insights to track bacterial and fungal antimicrobial resistance in both the public and private healthcare sectors. Each pathogen is shown with the number of cases in each age group. The dashboard can be accessed here. Additionally, we continue to conduct surveillance for various bacteria and fungi that exhibit resistance to antibiotics. Through this, we can determine the types of resistance, identify patients at risk, and ascertain which antibiotics are most effective in treating these infections. The NICD is also conducting environmental surveillance by testing wastewater for AMR.
“With the AMR dashboard, we aim to increase data transparency and public reporting. When infection rates and antibiotic-resistance data are shared openly, it galvanises hospital leadership’s attention to infection rates, and motivates hospitals to reflect on their performance, improve patient safety, and strengthen infection-prevention practices,” said Prof. Vindana Chibabhai, the head of the Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses at NICD.
“Data transparency also helps government and health leaders direct staff, equipment, and funding to the facilities that need support the most, rather than guessing where the needs are. Transparency builds trust,” emphasised Prof. Chibabhai. AMR is a critical public health threat. Limited antimicrobial treatment options have resulted in increased medical problems and death from previously treatable infections. This is especially true of severe infections in the hospital (both community-acquired infections and healthcare-associated infections). Common infections associated with AMR include urinary tract infections, lung infections such as pneumonia, and bloodstream infections. They can cause serious infections in newborn babies, people who have cancer, and the elderly. Some of the most vulnerable people are young babies, the elderly, and people with other underlying diseases such as HIV and cancer.
“To prevent deaths from AMR, there are several important solutions that involve all sectors of society. First, we need to educate the public about AMR and how to use antibiotics wisely. Secondly, we need to strengthen surveillance systems, which are the backbone of the solution, as they allow us to monitor as things evolve. Other solutions include good hygiene, sanitation, and infection control practices to reduce the spread of resistant organisms,” emphasised Prof. Chibabhai.
“In addition to government efforts, raising public awareness about AMR is vital. By understanding its implications, individuals can make informed health decisions, use antibiotics responsibly, and seek medical advice when necessary. Awareness will help mitigate the spread of resistant infections, protect vulnerable populations, and ensure the availability of effective treatments for future generations.”
Prof. Chibabhai concluded by urging the public to engage in discussions about the responsible use of antimicrobials. “This AMR Awareness Week, let’s unite in our efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance and safeguard our health and communities.” For more information about AMR, click here.
