ISLAMABAD: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has widespread consequences, not only in healthcare but also in agriculture, animal husbandry and food production. Overuse of antimicrobials in livestock, poultry, and aquaculture contributes significantly to the emergence of resistant strains. Contamination of food products such as meat and milk with drug-resistant bacteria poses a direct risk to human health. This was stated by Prof Ejaz A. Khan, Department of Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases at Shifa International Hospital, in a statement in connection with World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) from November 18–24. “Antimicrobial resistance develops when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of medications, rendering treatments ineffective. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics are leading contributors to this crisis. Declared one of the greatest threats to global health, AMR could potentially undo decades of medical advancements if not addressed promptly,” he said. The theme for 2024, “Educate, Advocate and Act Now,” places a renewed focus on coordinated action against AMR. Scientists have warned that we are approaching a “post-antibiotic era” where once treatable infections become deadly due to the emergence of superbugs.” Alarmingly, an estimated 700,000 deaths worldwide occur each year due to AMR. By 2050, this number could escalate to 10 million deaths annually - exceeding deaths caused by cancer - unless urgent measures are taken. The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated inappropriate antibiotic use. During the period, both healthcare providers and the public frequently resorted to unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, compounding the AMR crisis. Every inappropriate antibiotic prescription diminishes the drug’s efficacy, allowing resistant bacteria to thrive and multiply.