What Are Antimicrobials?
An antimicrobial is an agent that kills microorganisms or stops their growth. Antimicrobial medicines can be grouped according to the microorganisms they act primarily against. For example, antibiotics are used against bacteria, and antifungals are used against fungi.
Antimicrobials, including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics are the backbone of modern medicine, but the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials are the main drivers of drug-resistant pathogens.
“Already [statistics from 2018], drug-resistant diseases cause at least 700,000 deaths worldwide each year, but if no action is taken, that figure could increase to 10 million globally per year by 2050, overtaking diabetes, heart disease and cancer as the leading cause of death in humans.” December 2018 CDA Journal.
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week is an opportunity to draw attention to this urgent global health challenge.
What is Antimicrobial Awareness?
The use of antibiotics is essential in today’s world however the over-use is a recognised problem throughout medical professions. “Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest health threats humanity faces today” Dr Tedros Adhanom Gherbreyesus, Director-General of the WHO.
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week aims to increase awareness of global antimicrobial resistance and to encourage best practices among the general public, health workers and policy makers to avoid the further emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections.
Here you can hear from Dr Tedros Adhanom Gherbreyesus, Director-General of the WHO explains more… https://youtu.be/mYTBB3vqD0Q
The Village Vet Supports WAAW
For WAAW week, The Village Vet staff will be wearing a blue ribbon on their shirts in support of this UN Environmental Program.
PROTECT ME SYSTEM at The Village Vet
As antimicrobial stewards, The Village Vet practices the PROTECT ME system of administering antibiotics.
P Prescribe only when necessary
R Reduce prophylaxis
O Offer other options
T Treat effectively
E Employ narrow spectrum
C Culture appropriately
T Tailor your practice policy
M Monitor
E Educate others
If this initiative is something you are interested in, please talk to our staff on your next consult if you are interested in more information about the topic and our veterinary practices or follow the links provided below.
Sources
- Dr Martine Perkins BVSc (Syd Hons) MANZCVS MRCV, Senior Veterinarian and Owner, The Village Vet
- WHO: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-antimicrobial-awareness-week/2021/go-blue-campaign
- UN Environmental Programme: https://www.unep.org/events/unep-event/world-antimicrobial-awareness-week-2022
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimicrobial
- California Dental Association Journal, December 2018: December 2018 CDA Journal
- #HandleWithCare #AntimicrobialResistance #AMR
