Dangers of drug-resistant superbugs highlighted this week
This week was World Antimicrobial Resistance Week, which focused on the spread of drug-resistant infections and the importance of appropriate antimicrobial use.
We highlighted AMR week with a media release saying Australia faces returning to the medical dark ages if resistance to antimicrobials, including antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals, is not addressed.
The release also highlights our research report Antimicrobial resistance: the silent pandemic, which says Australia is well placed to lead global efforts in supporting a coordinated approach to address antibiotic resistance, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, to control the threat of resistant infections.
In the media this week, AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen spoke about issues relating to extending prescribing rights, which could lead to unnecessary or inappropriate use of antibiotics, with over-prescribing significantly contributing to the risk of antimicrobial resistance in Australia.
Dr McMullen said the dangers of antimicrobial resistance should be front of mind for all governments when considering expanding prescribing rights for non-medical health professionals.
