HIDDEN DANGER: WHAT IS ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE (AMR)?
Did you know? By 2050, it is estimated that nearly 10 million deaths per year will occur worldwide due to drug-resistant infections.
What is AMR?
AMR occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses mutate, making medications (such as antibiotics) no longer effective in treating infections.
How does it spread into our water sources?
Human activities: Antimicrobial use has increased by 36% since 2000.
Animal & aquaculture sectors: Up to 75% of antimicrobials used in aquaculture may contaminate water sources.
Industrial & domestic waste: Effluents from treatment plants, hospitals, and untreated agricultural waste can carry resistant microorganisms into rivers and coastal waters.
Risks to us:
Even at low concentrations in water, AMR can still promote microbial mutations. We may also be exposed to infections during recreational activities in rivers or at the beach.
Let’s work together to protect our water sources and use antibiotics responsibly.
Source: United Nation Environment Programme, 2022.
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