Overuse of antimicrobials is making common infections harder to treat.
World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week is observed every year from November 18 to 24 to highlight the growing threat of drug-resistant infections.
Antimicrobial resistance happens when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites evolve to survive the medicines meant to kill them. It makes common infections harder to treat and increases the risk of severe illness and death.
Doctors say the misuse of antibiotics is a major driver. Antibiotics do not work against viral infections such as colds and flu, and should be taken only when prescribed, for the full course.
People are advised never to share or buy antibiotics without a prescription, to keep vaccinations up to date and to follow good hygiene to prevent infections in the first place.
