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Antimicrobial resistance

    Overview

    Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi.

    AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. As a result, the medicines become ineffective and infections persist in the body, increasing the risk of spread to others.

    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”.

    News

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    Latest publications

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    Implementing the global action plan on antimicrobial resistance: first quadripartite biennial report

    The first quadripartite biennial report summarizes progress in the implementation of multisectoral national action plans, actions by the quadripartite...

    Antimicrobial Resistance Diagnostic Initiative

    WHO Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Diagnostic Initiative builds on the resolution WHA76.5 (2023) “strengthening diagnostic capacity” adopted...

    2023 Antibacterial agents in clinical and preclinical development: an overview and analysis

    The World Health Organization’s (WHO) “2023 Antibacterial agents in clinical and preclinical development: an overview and analysis” report...

    Antimicrobial resistance: toolkit for media engagement

    Various forms of media help to shape public opinion, narratives and discourse that affect public behaviour, knowledge, attitudes, and practice. Media also...

    Our work

    Documents

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    The WHO Taskforce of AMR Survivors was established in 2023 to give a platform for and elevate the voices of those with experience of complications from...

    Nepal: Second national action plan on antimicrobial resistance 2024-2028 (Nepali)