Antimicrobial Resistance
Context:
- India faces a significant burden from infectious diseases and ranks second in global antibiotic consumption, increasing by 47% from 2010 to 2020.
- Misuse and abuse of antibiotics is a key driver for development of AMR.
What are Antibiotics?
- Antibiotics are societal drugs, distinct from other medications.
- Their misuse not only affects individual health but also contributes significantly to the growing global threat of AMR, impacting public health & society at large.
- Antimicrobials – including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics – are medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals and plants.
- Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as “superbugs”.
What is Antimicrobial Resistance?
- Antimicrobial Resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and become resistant to the drugs designed to kill them.
- Misuse and overuse of antibiotics in humans and animals, poor infection prevention, and lack of clean water and sanitation all contribute to the alarming rise of AMR.
- Free over-the counter availability and self-medication by the patients fuel this rise.
Syllabus: Prelims + Mains; GS II – Health
