Super Bugs Vs Survival

It was a stubborn infection—just a fever, I told myself. But it lingered longer than it should, resisting over-the-counter solutions. I remember the gnawing fear in my mind: What if this isn’t ordinary? What if my antibiotics don’t work? I’m one of the fortunate ones—proper care and effective treatment turned things around. But millions aren’t so lucky.

This World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, we spotlight the crisis of AMR, the silent global emergency where common infections could become untreatable. While it feels distant to some, AMR is personal—it touches individuals, families, health systems, and policy priorities globally.

AMR is in the spotlight due to several high-level global health events this year. In September 2024, the UN General Assembly hosted its second High-Level Meeting on AMR, urging nations to set ambitious goals to curb this crisis. Additionally, November’s 77th World Health Assembly and the 4th Ministerial Conference on AMR have ramped up momentum, calling for concrete actions against what’s now recognized as one of humanity’s greatest health threats.

AMR’s rise is a global health emergency with local impacts. When antibiotics fail, minor cuts or routine surgeries can become deadly. Superbugs—resistant bacteria and other pathogens—already kill over 1.27 million people annually. It’s not a future problem. It’s here, now.

You already know, I'm a huge proponent of wastewater surveillance, Precision Health Platform Maneesh Paul. S., M. Sc., Ph.D., FIDSA., Varsha Shridhar, PhD Dr. Ramakrishna Prasad Nikhilesh Unnikrishnan Prerak Shah co-authored - this paper, which tells us, there are cost-effective and efficient methods to detect AMR and its trends.

While the task is monumental, individual and systemic action can curb AMR. Here are TEN Actions YOU can take:

1. Only use antibiotics when prescribed by a doctor.
2. Complete prescribed courses—don’t stop halfway.
3. Never share antibiotics or use leftover medication.
4. Practice proper handwashing and food hygiene.
5. Get vaccinated to reduce infection risks.
6. Avoid buying antibiotics without a prescription.
7. Support sustainable agriculture and buy antibiotic-free products.
8. Safely dispose of unused medications.
9. Encourage AMR education in your community.
10. Advocate for strong health policies tackling AMR.

The fight against AMR demands a One Health approach, linking human, animal, and environmental health. Together, with informed action, we can outpace superbugs.

ChatGPT helped me with this Haiku:

Life fights infection, But nature’s rules are twisted— Superbugs thrive fast.

One earth, one health plan, Hands wash blame from the future— Together, we win.

As we reflect on WAAW, let’s act with purpose and urgency. Humanity has faced challenges before; this time, collaboration can steer us toward survival.

I want to hear from you so please chime in and comment. Are there steps you are taking , tell me please..