Understanding Antibiotic Resistance: What You Need to Know

What is Antibiotic Resistance?

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to survive antibiotic treatment that previously killed them. This means common infections become harder, and sometimes impossible, to treat.

Why is it Happening?

The primary drivers of antibiotic resistance include: overuse of antibiotics, not completing prescribed courses, using antibiotics for viral infections (antibiotics don't work on viruses), and agricultural overuse.

How You Can Help

• Only take antibiotics when prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider
• Always complete the full prescribed course
• Never share antibiotics with others
• Never use leftover antibiotics
• Practice good hand hygiene to prevent infections

The Global Impact

The World Health Organization recognizes antibiotic resistance as one of the biggest threats to global health, food security, and development. Drug-resistant infections already cause hundreds of thousands of deaths annually.