An antimicrobial is an agent that kills microorganisms or stops their growth

It is estimated that bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths. Antimicrobial use has been common practice for at least 2000 years. Ancient Egyptians and ancient Greeks used specific molds and plant extracts to treat infection.

In the 19th century, microbiologists such as Louis Pasteur and Jules Francois Joubert observed antagonism between some bacteria and discussed the merits of controlling these interactions in medicine. Louis Pasteur's work in fermentation and spontaneous generation led to the distinction between anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. 

The information garnered by Pasteur led Joseph Lister to incorporate antiseptic methods, such as sterilizing surgical tools and debriding wounds into surgical procedures. 

Key facts

The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals and plants are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant pathogens. AMR affects countries in all regions and at all income levels. Its drivers and consequences are exacerbated by poverty and inequality, and low- and middle-income countries are most affected.

AMR puts many of the gains of modern medicine at risk. It makes infections harder to treat and makes other medical procedures and treatments – such as surgery, caesarean sections and cancer chemotherapy – much riskier.

The world faces an antibiotics pipeline and access crisis. There is an inadequate research and development pipeline in the face of rising levels of resistance, and urgent need for additional measures to ensure equitable access to new and existing vaccines, diagnostics and medicines.          

In addition to death and disability, AMR has significant economic costs. The World Bank estimates that AMR could result in US$ 1 trillion additional healthcare costs by 2050, and US$ 1 trillion to US$ 3.4 trillion gross domestic product (GDP) losses per year by 2030 .

Priorities to address AMR in human health include preventing all infections, which may result in inappropriate use of antimicrobials; ensuring universal access to quality diagnosis and appropriate treatment of infections; and strategic information and innovation, for example surveillance of AMR and antimicrobial consumption/use, and research and development for novel vaccines, diagnostics and medicines.

You may not be able to see them, but microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi are everywhere! That’s why antimicrobials are used in so many places.

Think of antimicrobials as tiny superheroes, helping to kill or prevent the growth of microbes, keeping you and your family safe. These protectors in shining armor help clean and disinfect our homes, medical facilities and public spaces because harmful microbes can grow and thrive in almost any setting.

Health literacy is important for everyone because, at some point in our lives, we all need to be able to find, understand, and use health information and services.

Health literacy means being able to access, understand, appraise and use information and services in ways that promote and maintain good health and well-being.

Health literacy means more than being able to access web sites, read pamphlets and follow prescribed health-seeking behaviours. It includes the ability to think critically about, as well as the ability to interact and express personal and societal needs for promoting health.

(Deshapriya Nanayakkara)