EC Paediatrics

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global public health concern, may be natural or acquired. The mechanisms of its development are complex and often liable to mutation. Such factors as antibiotic overuse, misuse and abuse act as triggers in its development. The negative impacts and consequences of AMR are not only in relation to the patients and their families but also the global health system and global economy across the board. Around 750,000 people die every year from drug-resistant infections. By the year 2050, the mortality may zoom to 10 million people/year [6], costing more than USD 100 trillion. The economic setback from AMR is worst in the resource-limited countries. The AMR can be slowed down but cannot altogether be stopped in view of the inherent dynamics of the microorganisms. All that can be done is its containment and control. All nations need to play a significant role in coordinating with the World Health Organization (WHO) and its sister and allied bodies to contain and control AMR at different levels. The issues of antibiotic prudence, alternatives to antibiotics, and development of newer antimicrobials, especially antibiotics, deserve to be addressed urgently.

Keywords: Antimicrobial Resistance; Antimicrobial Stewardship; Economy; Health; Multidrug-Resistance; Pandrug-Resistance; Superbugs

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