Every year, from 18 to 24 November, the world comes together to raise awareness about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). While it may sound like a scientific term that belongs in a textbook, AMR affects every one of us. It influences how we treat infections, how long we stay in the hospital, and even the medicines we rely on for everyday illnesses.
What is Antimicrobial Resistance?
Antimicrobials include medicines like antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitic drugs. They are some of the most powerful tools in modern medicine. However, when germs such as bacteria become resistant to these medicines, the drugs stop working effectively. This means infections become harder to treat, and can spread more easily, increasing the risk of severe illness and complications. This is what we call Antimicrobial Resistance.
Why Should We Be Concerned?
- Common infections could become serious again
- Simple surgeries may carry greater risk
- Cancer treatments and organ transplants rely on effective antibiotics
- Hospital stays become longer and more complicated
If we do not act now, AMR could result in millions of preventable deaths worldwide every year in the coming decades.
How Antimicrobial Resistance Develops
AMR happens when antimicrobials are used:
- Too often or unnecessarily
- In incorrect doses
- Not taken as prescribed
- In farming and agriculture without proper controls
This gives bacteria the chance to adapt and survive, making our medicines less useful over time.
Antibiotics Do Not Work Against Viruses
Most colds, flu and sore throats are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics cannot treat viral infections. Please do not request or pressure your doctor to prescribe antibiotics for viral illnesses, and do not give antibiotics to children or family members unless specifically prescribed for their condition.
Did You Know? Your Gut Health Matters
Your body depends on healthy bacteria in your gut to support your immune system. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can:
- kill these healthy bacteria
- Disrupt your gut microbiome
- Weaken your natural ability to fight future infections
- Just one course of antibiotics can affect your gut health for up to six months.
This is another reason why antibiotics should only be used when absolutely necessary.
How We at Kiaat Private Hospital are taking action
Our hospital is committed to responsible and evidence-based use of antimicrobials, also known as Antimicrobial Stewardship.
We work to ensure:
- The right medicine
- At the right dose
- For the right duration
- Only when needed
We also educate patients, families, and staff about safe medication practices.
How You Can Help
Only use antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional
Do not demand antibiotics for viral infections like colds and flu
Take your antibiotics exactly as instructed
Do not share leftover antibiotics
Practice good hand hygiene
Ensure vaccinations are up to date
This Year’s Theme for WAAW 2025: “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,” calls on all of us to take bold and united action to address this urgent issue. Awareness, investment, and action against AMR are still falling short, and every individual has a role to play. Drug-resistant infections are rising across the globe, making once-treatable illnesses harder, and sometimes impossible, to cure. AMR is not a problem of the future—it is already affecting our health, food systems, environment, and economies.
If you have questions about antibiotics or infection prevention, speak to your doctor or pharmacist at Kiaat Private Hospital.
Author: Eda Verster – Kiaat Private Hospital – Pharmacy Manager
