What is antimicrobial resistance?

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is when microbes such as bacteria become resistant against treatments like antibiotics.

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics are two examples of factors responsible for driving AMR across the globe.

AMR is an issue that poses a significant threat to global health, by making bacterial infections much harder to treat, hindering patient’s wellbeing and care.

AMR also increases the danger of carrying out medical procedures like chemotherapy and caesarean sections. If we do not possess effective antibiotics, we will not have the tools to treat bacterial infections that can arise from such medical procedures.

Microscopic view of bacteria, showing various shapes and textures, with some bacteria appearing dark and others lighter, surrounded by a bluish background.

Infographic showing global and UK data on 2021 deaths related to AMR. A globe icon and the UK flag are displayed. Text states over 4.7 million deaths worldwide and over 28,000 in the UK.

Graphic showing a step-by-step process for cooking or preparing a dish using a skillet, spatula, and ingredients.

All data presented on this page was taken from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME)

World AMR Awareness Week

Each year there is a World AMR Awareness Week. The purpose of this initiative is to increase everyones knowledge and understanding on antimicrobial resistance, so that we can help to reduce the burden and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Keep an eye on this website and our social media pages throughout World AMR Awareness Week to learn more about AMR.