Towards an Antibiotic-Aware Kerala: AMR Awareness Week From Nov 18

Thiruvananthapuram: The Health Department has announced that Kerala will conduct extensive awareness programmes from November 18 to 24 as part of the World Health Organization’s Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week. This year’s theme, “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,” stresses the urgent need to stop the misuse of antibiotics to ensure a healthier future. The week-long campaign aims to raise awareness about antibiotic resistance and infections caused by improper antibiotic use. Health Minister Veena George urged the public to actively participate in the activities.

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when harmful bacteria become stronger due to incorrect or excessive use of antibiotics, making treatments ineffective. Antibiotic misuse has become one of the most serious global health challenges. Kerala has been implementing strong measures to address this issue.

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has recognised Kerala as a model state in AMR-related initiatives. Under the Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (CARSTAP), the state has introduced several steps to control antibiotic misuse. Kerala is the first state in India to publish an antibiogram for four consecutive years. It has also restricted the sale of antibiotics without a prescription. Due to strict interventions, antibiotic use in the state has dropped by 20 to 30 percent. Hospitals are also being transformed into “Antibiotic Smart Hospitals.”

To assess public understanding of antibiotic use, a QR code containing ten questions will be made available across the state and in all districts. This will help evaluate antibiotic literacy levels among the public.

What the Public Should Know

• If antibiotics stop working — a condition that occurs due to overuse, misuse, or taking them without proper medical guidance — even serious diseases like cancer, tuberculosis, and pneumonia, as well as simple infections from minor wounds, can become life-threatening. Surgeries may become unsafe, and maternity care may become difficult.

• Antibiotics are needed only to treat specific bacterial infections. Most common illnesses such as fever, cough and cold are caused by viruses, and antibiotics cannot cure them.

• Never use antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription.

• Do not pressure a doctor to prescribe antibiotics, and never buy them without a prescription.

• Do not use leftover antibiotics from a previous treatment for a new illness.

• Do not dispose of leftover or expired antibiotics in the ground or in water bodies.

• Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and do not stop the course midway even if symptoms improve.

• Never share your antibiotics with others or use antibiotics prescribed for someone else.

• In poultry, livestock and fish farming, antibiotics should be used only under the guidance of a veterinary doctor. They must not be used to artificially boost growth.

• Preventing infections is the best way to stay healthy — wash hands frequently with soap and water, and keep vaccinations up to date.