Antimicrobial Resistance | Infectious Diseases Data Observatory

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Antimicrobial Resistance in Low and Middle Income Countries. Credit: IDDO / Mehul Dorda

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious threat to global public health that threatens the effective prevention and treatment of a range of infections caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi. AMR can result in treatment failure, prolonged illness and increased healthcare costs.

About AMR

AMR develops in microorganisms in response to exposure to antimicrobial drugs such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics. Resistance tends to increase over time, usually through genetic changes; these changes are accelerated by the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, and poor quality (substandard or falsified) medicines.

Overview

AMR networks

The challenge of AMR is being addressed by a number of organisations and strategies, including the Fleming Fund that was launched in 2015 in response to the global crisis of AMR. IDDO is working with the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) Project, a Fleming and Wellcome Trust grantee, in order to estimate the global burden of AMR, boost surveillance efforts particularly in low and middle income countries (LMICs), and increase global, regional and national awareness of AMR.

AMR networks

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