Today marks the start of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (Nov 18-24) around the world. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global issue. This occurs when microbes such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobials, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. This week more than ever, we are reminded about the proper use of antibiotics. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared AMR as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. Misuse and overuse are one of the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant pathogens.
In May, 2015, WHO upgraded AMR to an international emergency by endorsing a global action plan at the 68th WHO Assembly. WHO described it: “New resistance mechanisms are emerging and spreading globally, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases. A growing list of infections – such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, blood poisoning, gonorrhoea, and foodborne diseases – are becoming harder, and sometimes impossible, to treat as antibiotics become less effective.” Even more alarming is the spread of multi- and pan-resistant bacteria (also known as ‘superbugs’.
WHO outlined five goals: raising awareness, increasing monitoring and research, reducing infections, making the best use of antibiotics and committing to “sustainable investment.” Part of this mission is to encourage best practices among the public, health care workers, and policy makers to avoid the emergence and spread of AMR.
AMR is a complex problem that requires a united approach. The OneHealth approach brings together multiple stakeholders working in human, animals and plant health, food/feed production and the environment to communicate and design and put in places the programs, policies, and research for better outcomes for all of us.
Timeline:
1895: Dr. Tiberio publishes on the antibacterial power of mold.
1907: First synthetic antibiotic developed. Dr. Ehrlich discovers salvarsan in the late 1880s, known as arsphenamine today.
1928: Fleming gives penicillin its name.
1945: Nobel Prize in medicine awarded to Sir Alexander Fleming, along with Dr. Chain and Dr. Florey.
2015: World Antimicrobial Awareness Week begins. The national slogan is ‘Antimicrobials: Handle with Care.’
Reference:
World Health Organization-Word Antimicrobial Awareness Week- link