AMR: What is antimicrobial resistance and how can we fight it? – Media Backgrounder
This resource outlines what antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is, and how we need to limit our use of antimicrobials – such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics – to reduce the risk of drug-resistant infections and impact of AMR.
It also outlines potential patient harms to the individual and the broader community from antimicrobial use and resistance. This resource supports the release of AURA 2023: Fifth Australian Report on Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Human Health on 16 November 2023.
Each year in Australia, hundreds of people die because they cannot be treated successfully for antimicrobial-resistant infections, and the situation is worsening globally with the increasing rates of resistance to many antibiotics.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is when bacteria develop mechanisms to resist the killing effects of antibiotics or antifungals, so these medicines stop working.
Drug-resistant infections are a major global health threat, so it is vital we stop using antibiotics when they are either not needed or offer little added benefit for treatment of people with infections. The more antibiotics are used, the more resistance will eventually develop.
AURA 2023: Fifth Australian report on antimicrobial use and resistance in human health is a state-of-the-nation report showing the serious impact of this public health priority.
The Commission has released the AURA 2023 report to highlight emerging issues and trends. This data informs actions needed in our health system to prevent the rise of antimicrobial resistance. The report analyses data from the Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Australia Surveillance System (AURA).
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