Kerala becomes first state to establish AMR committees in all  blocks

News Desk

14 September 2023 02:05 PM

Kerala has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first state in India to establish Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) Committees in all 191 blocks. These committees have been set up to intensify activities for antibiotic literacy and combat the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance. The objective is to prepare health workers and the public to avoid problems caused by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics.

Diseases can occur in humans, animals, and plants when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites attack living cells. Antimicrobial drugs, particularly antibiotics, are essential in eliminating these pathogens. However, over time, some pathogens acquire the ability to resist these drugs, leading to a condition known as antimicrobial resistance. It is estimated that over 7 lakh people die every year due to diseases that cannot be effectively treated with antibiotics. The World Health Organization has warned that this number may reach one crore by 2050 if appropriate measures are not taken to address antimicrobial resistance.

The AMR Committees in Kerala have been formed in collaboration with the Departments of Health, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Agriculture, and Environment, with support from the World Health Organization. To achieve their goals, a special fast-track plan has been formulated to make Kerala a fully antibiotic literate state by 2023.