TEHRAN –Health ministry is planning to observe Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) week from November 18 to 24 to highlight avoiding the irrational prescription of antibiotics.

Antimicrobial Resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. 

As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines become ineffective and infections become increasingly difficult or impossible to treat.

In 2022, Iran was classified as the largest consumer of antibiotics among 63 countries, and the trend has been soaring over the past three years, the health ministry’s website reported. 

The week-long campaign aims to raise awareness among public and health workers about AMR and encourage behavior change towards the cautious use of antimicrobials and observe proper hygiene practices. 

To do so, the health ministry will use effective communication, education, and training programs.

Other recommended strategies include preventing infection transmission in society and in healthcare settings, strengthening surveillance systems in monitoring the level of microbial resistance and the amount of antimicrobial drug consumption, optimizing the use of antimicrobial drugs and supporting research. 

Each day of the week focuses on a specific topic.

Monday, November 18, Community engagement to maintain the effectiveness of antimicrobials

Tuesday, November 19, waste management safeguards the environment against resistant microbes

Wednesday, November 20, Prevention of infection, prevention of anti-microbial resistance

Thursday, November 21, Veterinary and responsible use of antimicrobial medicines to maintain their effectiveness

Friday, November 22, Rational use of antimicrobials helps maintain their effectiveness

Saturday, November 23, Mass media role in maintaining the effectiveness of antimicrobials

Sunday, November 24, Research and technology to maintain the effectiveness of antimicrobial medicines

AMR is a global issue that requires different sectors related to the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment to cooperate in the form of an integrated approach named ‘one Health approach’.

AMR, global health threat

A global action plan to tackle the growing problem of resistance to antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines was endorsed at the Sixty-eighth World Health Assembly in May 2015. It aims to galvanize global efforts to address the growing threat of AMR.

AMR poses a threat to global health, food security, and achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

AMR puts a strain on health systems by diminishing the effectiveness of treatments, leading to prolonged illnesses and increased healthcare costs. 

Simultaneously, AMR poses a threat to food security as it can spread through the food chain, impacting both animal and human health and causing economic losses in the agricultural sector.

AMR is directly responsible for 1.3 million deaths and contributes to 5 million deaths every year. 

AMR also threatens the economic future, with an estimated global annual cost of up to US$3.4 trillion by 2030 and 28 million people pushed into poverty by 2050.

MT/MG