We’re often quick to reach for antibiotics the moment we or our loved ones feel unwell — a sore throat, mild fever, or even a simple cough. But did you know that misuse of these medicines can make them useless when we really need them? This is the challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
What is AMR?
AMR occurs when germs — bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites — evolve and develop the ability to resist the drugs designed to kill them. That means standard treatments, once reliably effective, may no longer work.
How does resistance develop?
Overuse and misuse of antimicrobials — for example, taking antibiotics when not needed, stopping the course prematurely, or using them without prescription — accelerate this process. Over time, microbes adapt (through mutation or gene transfer) and survive, even after treatment.
Why should we worry? AMR undermines the foundation of modern medicine. Routine infections may become untreatable, and even common surgeries or medical procedures (like organ transplant, cancer treatment, childbirth-related surgeries) become risky again because of possible drug-resistant infections.
Global data shows the scale: in 2019 alone, roughly 1.27 million deaths were directly attributed to drug-resistant infections, and nearly 5 million deaths were associated with AMR globally.
What Can We Do
Use antibiotics only when prescribed: Avoid self-medication. Do not demand antibiotics for viral illnesses (like common cold or flu) where they don’t help.
Complete the full course: Even if symptoms improve, stopping too early can let surviving germs adapt and develop resistance.
Avoid overuse: Antibiotics are powerful tools — but not for every minor ailment. Use them judiciously.
Support hygiene and infection prevention: Simple steps — like regular hand washing, clean water, safe food handling — reduce infections and lower the need for antibiotics.
Promote awareness and education: Spread the word about AMR in your community: patients, families, friends — everyone needs to know the risks and act responsibly.
Why This Matters for Dr. Preeti Ajapuje As a healthcare professional, Dr. Preeti Ajapuje stands at the frontline where patient health — both now and in the future — depends not just on correct diagnosis, but on responsible use of antimicrobials. By sharing awareness about AMR and guiding patients on when and how to use antibiotics wisely, we can help preserve the effectiveness of these life-saving medicines — not just for today, but for future generations.
Let’s pledge: Use antibiotics only when needed. Tell your loved ones about AMR. Be a part of the solution.
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