Content area
Full text
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major problem worldwide. The burden of AMR is greater in poor, developing countries where the problem has not been formally addressed.
In October 2011 the first global forum on antibiotic resistance held in New Delhi, India brought together a variety of stakeholders involved in the use of antibiotics. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been active in the field of AMR and has recently published a book highlighting the problem. The book addresses the major issues of surveillance to reduce antimicrobial use, measures to ensure better use of antibiotics, reducing antibiotic use in animal husbandry, infection control and prevention control techniques in health facilities, fostering innovation to facilitate the development and production of newer antibiotics and creating political commitment for action.
I strongly feel AMR is an issue which has not received the attention it deserves. Often the interests of the individual and the community with respect to antibiotics can be at loggerheads. The...