top of page
ANtibiotics photos.jpg

Antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global threat, rendering key treatments ineffective. Health Volunteers play a vital role in combating AMR through education, advocacy, and community engagement. By promoting responsible antimicrobial use and implementing preventive measures, they help preserve the efficacy of treatments, reduce the spread of resistant infections, and protect public health for future generations.

AMR session with youth by Health Volunteer DR.JPG

Health Volunteers for AMR

Health Volunteers are actively engaged in a comprehensive range of activities to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). They conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of AMR and the importance of responsible antimicrobial use. Through community education workshops, they teach infection prevention and control measures, proper hygiene, and the significance of completing prescribed antibiotic courses and distribute educational materials and hygiene supplies to support community health initiatives. 
Through these multifaceted efforts, Health Volunteers are making a significant impact in the fight against AMR, safeguarding public health and preserving the efficacy of antimicrobials for future generations.

Actions In India, Delhi.

What is AMR?

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global threat across human, animal, plant, food, and environmental sectors. AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial agents. This resistance renders antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents ineffective, making infections increasingly difficult or impossible to treat and heightening the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and plants are accelerating the development and spread of AMR. In 2019, AMR was associated with 5 million deaths, with 1.3 million directly attributed to bacterial AMR.

AMR Slogan stamp in Hindi
AMR Slogan stamp
AMR Slogan stamp in English

Objectives of Health Volunteers for AMR

Raise Awareness

Educate Health Volunteers and communities about the links between antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of responsible antimicrobial use and stewardship for protecting public health.

Actionable Solutions

Mobilize Health Volunteers to participate in AMR-focused projects, such as awareness campaigns, community education on responsible antimicrobial use, and initiatives to promote infection prevention and control measures.

Build Partnerships

Collaborate with healthcare organizations, local governments, and other stakeholders to leverage resources, expertise, and networks in advancing AMR goals within the Health Volunteers Program for long-term impact.

Outcomes of the campaign

Enhances Public Health

By addressing the determinants of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Health Volunteers Program can contribute to reducing the burden of drug-resistant infections and improving overall community health outcomes.

Promotes Sustainable Development

Integrating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) initiatives aligns with the principles of sustainable development, fostering resilience, equity, and well-being for present and future generations.

Empowers Communities

Engaging Health Volunteers in AMR activities empowers communities to take ownership of responsible antimicrobial use and advocate for healthier and more sustainable practices to combat drug-resistant infections.

AMR is a pressing issue occurring in the present, posing one of the greatest threats to global health, food security, and development.
2021-cde-waaw21-goblue_concept_b-3 (Small).png

World AMR Awareness Week
18-24 November

Social Media Materials for AMR

Learn about AMR

AMR: An urgent threat to life as we know it
02:54

AMR: An urgent threat to life as we know it

Antimicrobial resistance or AMR is considered one of the top global public health problems. It also poses an urgent and critical threat to animal and plant health, food security and economic development. UNEP’s report “Bracing for Superbugs: Strengthening environmental action in the One Health response to antimicrobial resistance” provides evidence that the environment plays a key role in the development, transmission and spread of AMR. Prevention is at the core of the action and environment is a key part of the solution. Explore the report: https://www.unep.org/resources/superbugs/environmental-action The report aims to demystify and unpack the different, while interconnected, aspects of the environmental dimensions of AMR, offering a comprehensive overview of scientific findings on the subject. It provides actionable evidence of the importance of the environment in the development, transmission and spread of AMR, and it shows that environmental dimensions of AMR are multifaceted and the response rests on collaboration between sectors. A concerted systems approach such as “One Health,” which recognizes that the health of people, animals, plants and the environment are closely linked and interdependent, is the approach needed to tackle it. This report analyzes the three economic sectors and their value chains that are key drivers of AMR development and spread in the environment: pharmaceuticals and other chemicals, agriculture and food, and healthcare, together with pollutants from poor sanitation, sewage and waste effluent in municipal systems. The report synthesizes current knowledge gaps, and it shows that while several actions are ongoing, more needs to be done and offers solutions to prevent and respond to AMR. A One Health response to AMR will not only help reduce the risk and burden of AMR on societies but will also help address the triple planetary crisis.

OUR PARTNERS

Reaching Sky Logo small
Yuvanika Logo transparent- small
Yellow streets transparent logo-small
bottom of page