One of the biggest threats to human and animal health today is AMR.
It occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to medicines called antimicrobials, such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics. As a result, antimicrobials become ineffective.
Without effective antimicrobials, it is more difficult for health professionals to help prevent and treat infections in people, animals and plants. This includes reducing the risk of infection after surgery or during cancer treatments.
AMR can affect anyone, of any age, and in any country. It can lead to more severe and longer illnesses, longer hospital stays, higher medical costs and in severe cases, death.
We all have a part to play in trying to reduce the spread of AMR.
Here’s some helpful tips on how you can reduce your risks of developing AMR:
- follow your health professional’s instructions when they prescribe you antimicrobial medication
- – and never keep unused medicines for future use
- never use antimicrobials prescribed for other people
- never take antibiotics ‘just in case’ since they don’t work against all illnesses, such as the common cold or flu
- ask your doctor about other ways to relieve symptoms if they say antimicrobials are not needed
- practice good personal hygiene, like washing your hands regularly
- dress wounds, cuts and grazes properly.
The Australian Government invests in programs and research to help experts understand the impacts of AMR in Australia and trends in antimicrobial use. Some recent investments include:
- $2.7 million for the University of Wollongong’s study targeting inappropriate antibiotic prescribing
Food Standards Australia and New Zealand’s project looking at antimicrobial resistant bacteria in the Australian food supply.
We also partner with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care to publish reports on AMR and antimicrobial use in Australia. Our recent reports include the:
- Fifth Australian report on antimicrobial use and resistance in human health (AURA 2023)
- Antimicrobial use in the community: 2023 report
- Australian Passive AMR Surveillance: An update of resistance trends in multidrug-resistant organisms – 2006 to 2023
Learn more about what you can do to reduce the spread of AMR and read the joint statement from the Australian Chief Medical Officer, Chief Veterinary Officer and Chief Environmental Biosecurity Officer on WAAW 2024.