Skip to main content

Antimicrobial resistance

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats we face

Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria, but every time we take them, we give the bacteria a chance to fight back. Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria find a way to defeat the drugs designed to kill them.  

Antibiotics are becoming less effective because we are overusing them and, in some cases, not using them properly. This is a problem we must tackle now before it gets worse. 

Globally, almost 5 million people die every year due to infections associated with antibiotic resistance. Unless we act now, routine treatments such as chemotherapy, organ transplants and joint replacements will no longer be possible because the antibiotics needed to make them safe will have stopped working.  

Antibiotics are a precious resource and we need to treat them that way. We must all act now to slow the spread of antibiotic resistance. 

How can we keep antibiotics working? 

Remember, antibiotics aren’t always the answer. When they are prescribed, they are prescribed specifically for you and your infection.  

We can all play a part in slowing the spread of antibiotic resistance by following these steps:  

  • Only take antibiotics when told to by your doctor, pharmacist, nurse or dentist. 
  • Always take antibiotics exactly as prescribed. 
  • Never save antibiotics for later or give them to someone else.

What is Antibiotic Resistance?