Turning back the tide: The challenge of antimicrobial resistance and its impact on our health
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health issue, with nearly five million deaths worldwide associated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, most notably in sub-Saharan Africa. Medical treatments such as chemotherapy could become unfeasible without effective antibiotics. Climate change, drug-resistant bacteria, and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbate this threat. Meanwhile, Canada has faced drug-approval delays and bureaucratic barriers to obtaining antibiotics effective against resistant bacteria. Actions such as regular handwashing, vaccinations, and responsible antibiotic use are crucial to combating AMR.