Dr. Arcy Billoria, Head Lab & HIC, Consultant Microbiologist, Infection Control Specialist, Aster Prime HospitalHyderabad, November 25th 2025: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is when microorganisms develop the ability to grow, even when they are exposed to antimicrobial medicines that are meant to kill them or limit their growth.

The World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) is celebrated throughout the world from 18th November to 24th November every year to create awareness about AMR & this year the theme is “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future. “This theme underscores the urgent need for bold, coordinated, cross-sectoral action to address AMR, a growing global threat that is already affecting our health, food systems, environment and economies.

Antimicrobials are lifesaving medications, but only if they work against the organism causing infection. AMR may impact on life saving health care, such as cancer treatments or organ transplants, if antimicrobials are not able to be effective in preventing infections that are commonly associated with these procedures.

Inappropriate use occurs when antibiotics are taken for too short a time, at too low a dose, at inadequate potency, or when incorrect antibiotic being prescribed for a disease. It is important to take antimicrobials as prescribed by doctors and not to pressure doctors for antimicrobials if they feel they won’t help your situation. Saving antimicrobial prescriptions for later or taking someone else’s can mean you aren’t getting the right antimicrobial, at the right dose, for your needs. Also Over the counter sales of antimicrobials in our country are partly responsible for the abuse, as it is possible for a person to purchase any antibiotic.

The development of new antimicrobials is challenging, expensive, and takes a long time to deliver to market. Because of this, the number of new antimicrobials has been decreasing over time & hence there is dare need to preserve the existing ones.

Vaccination in paediatric, adult & geriatric age groups is also important for addressing antibiotic resistance as many vaccines prevent bacterial infections. If a person does not get infected in the first place, there is no need to treat with antibiotics.

Every person can contribute to prevention of AMR & have a role to play. Do your bit by following ways;

•            Do not demand antibiotics if your doctor does not prescribe them.

•            Only use a doctor’s prescription to procure antibiotics from a pharmacy. Never purchase over the counter antimicrobials.

•            Always follow your doctor’s advice when using antibiotics. Do not skip doses or stop taking an antibiotic early.

•            Never share or use leftover antibiotics.

•            Prevent infections by regularly washing hands, preparing food hygienically, avoiding close contact with sick people, covering your cough and keeping vaccinations up to date.

•            Doctors should always prescribe the right antibiotic, at the right dose, for the right duration, and at the right time. Using the shortest effective duration of antibiotic therapy is a key antibiotic stewardship strategy. The goal is to optimize the treatment of the infection while minimizing the risks of side effects from antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance.