Unmasking The Threat Of Antimicrobial Resistance – News18
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AMR is not just a medical problem; it’s a societal challenge that demands a collective effort
Investing in research and development of new antimicrobial drugs is crucial, to outpace the evolution of resistance and effectively target resistant organisms
We are facing a silent pandemic, one that doesn’t discriminate between age, gender, or socioeconomic status – antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, the invisible enemies constantly vying for a foothold in our bodies, evolve to withstand the very drugs designed to eliminate them. Dr Shankar V, MBBS, MD, Internal Medicine Physician, Apollo Hospital, Seshadripuram shares all you need to know:
Imagine a world where a simple cut could lead to a life-threatening infection, or routine surgeries become risky gambles due to the looming threat of untreatable infections. This is the unsettling reality we face today, with as many as 4.95 million deaths associated with bacterial AMR reported worldwide in 2019 alone. By 2050, this number could rise to 10 million annual mortalities, if AMR continues to spread unchecked.
Closer home, India has the 60th highest age-standardized mortality rate per 100,000 population associated with AMR across 204 countries. With its high burden of infectious diseases and densely populated communities, India stands particularly vulnerable in the face of this growing AMR crisis. The country is already grappling challenges like tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV – diseases where effective antimicrobial treatment is paramount and AMR is threatening to turn back the clock on decades of progress, making it difficult to treat routine infections, prolonging the duration of infections, sometimes even leading to unnecessary fatalities.
The impact of AMR extends far beyond individual health outcomes and has far-reaching consequences for various medical procedures. Surgeries, organ transplants, cancer treatments – all these rely on antibiotics to prevent and treat infections. As microorganisms develop resistance, the success rates of complex procedures decline, and the post-operative recovery period becomes fraught with uncertainty. Moreover, it places immense strain on our already overburdened healthcare system. Increased treatment failures translate to longer hospital stays, stretching resources thin and driving up healthcare costs for patients. The financial burden can be crippling, pushing vulnerable populations further into poverty.
Combating this silent pandemic requires a multi-pronged approach – a comprehensive strategy that tackles the problem. Firstly, infection prevention and control measures must be prioritized in hospitals. This includes promoting hand hygiene among healthcare workers, ensuring proper sterilization of medical equipment, and isolating patients with resistant infections.
Secondly, we need to address the issue of antibiotic overuse and misuse. Both healthcare professionals and the public need to understand that antibiotics are not a cure-all. Unnecessary prescriptions and self-medication fuel the development of resistance. India ranks first among all countries in total consumption of antibiotics , with these drugs often being prescribed redundantly for symptom management alone. Public awareness campaigns can play a crucial role in educating people about the responsible and appropriate use of antibiotics.
Thirdly, robust national policies are essential to regulate the use of antimicrobials in both human and animal health. This includes restricting the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics, implementing surveillance programs to track resistance patterns, and promoting the use of narrow-spectrum antibiotics whenever possible.
Finally, investing in research and development of new antimicrobial drugs is crucial, to outpace the evolution of resistance and effectively target resistant organisms.
AMR is not just a medical problem; it’s a societal challenge that demands a collective effort. Policymakers, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and the public –all have a role to play in mitigating this AMR crisis. By understanding the gravity of AMR and taking proactive steps, we can safeguard the health of our nation and preserve the efficacy of life-saving antimicrobial drugs for generations to come.
