Imagine a world where general infections threaten life because our medicines are no longer effective. It may sound like a plot of dystopian film, but this scenario is real and is happening now. Antibacterial resistance, known as AMR, is preventing antibiotics from being as effective as before. In 2023, there were 66,730 severe antibiotic -resistant infections, compared to 62,314 people before the epidemic in 2019.
This blog post explains why we all know AMR better and what it means, and introduces a new campaign to maintain the above antibiotics by mascot Andi Biotic.
Exactly what is AMR?
AMR occurs when bacteria and other microorganisms evolve to survive in the medicines we use to fight with them. Just as we adapt to the challenge, bacteria can adapt to survival antibiotics. If this happens, this important medicine stops working when we need it most. Learn more about AMR on the NHS website.
Global impact
The number tells a clear story.
- In 2021 alone, AMR caused 114 million deaths worldwide.
- If we do not act right now, AMR can claim additional 39 million people worldwide by 2050.
- Without effective antibiotics, everyday medical procedures such as appendix or tonsils can be removed and can be very dangerous due to the threat of infections that cannot be handled by hip joint replacement, lord incision, dentistry and chemotherapy.
AMR may affect everyone, but black British and Asian communities are more likely to focus on activities to solve this problem because there is a higher risk of infections that do not respond well to antibiotics.
Our campaign
We have created a new campaign by Mascot and Mascot, where people perform their missions to inform the right method of using antibiotics. These are simple things that everyone can do to see if antibiotics work in the future generation.
How to help you
Here are three simple but powerful actions:
- Do not take antibiotics for colds and flu. This disease is not helpful because it is caused by a virus, not a bacteria. If you are suspicious, go to the local pharmacy and get advice.
- Never save antibiotics for later use. It does not work properly and can worsen the problem.
- The prescribed antibiotics are effective to be taken correctly as GP, nurses or pharmacists instructed.
UKHSA’s role in dealing with AMR
UK Health Security Agency (ukhsa) British 20 -year strategy dealing with AMRRecently published new publications National Action Plan (2024-2029).
Our goal is to include and control AMR by 2040. The three ways we strive for that goal are:
- We are developing state -of -the -art monitoring and innovation in facilities including Porton Down Replica Hospital Ward. Institutional surveillance report publication English surveillance program for antibacterial use and resistance (ESPAUR) reports provide important data to scientists and policymakers.
- Our thinking, Overbreaks & Stewardship Team responds to multi -drug resistance and develops resources for medical practitioners.
- We raise awareness of the use of appropriate antibiotics through this campaign.
Do you want more work?
We hope that this information is encouraged to be with us in the fight with AMR. There is a way to participate.
Together, we can help you to continue working for this important medicine for multiple generations.
