How could anyone have predicted that the same microbes that the medication was designed to combat would eventually overwhelm it?

Despite its rapid advancement over the years, medical science has now encountered a major obstacle in the shape of antibiotic resistance. Countries will be reminded of this sobering fact during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, which runs from November 18 to November 24. Thousands of people die every year from illnesses that do not respond to antibiotic therapy.

For a nation like Pakistan, where antibiotic use is the third highest in the world, this should be particularly concerning. Due to a general lack of understanding and a careless attitude on the part of physicians, pharmacies, and patients, there are no checks on the intake of these drugs.

Pathogens become resistant in these and other situations. In fact, one may anticipate worse conditions in Pakistan, where laws and global best practices are frequently disregarded, since nearly one-third of antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary in a nation like the US, with its excellent healthcare system.

Antibiotic resistance is predicted to kill 40 million people globally between now and 2050, making the situation nothing short of a medical disaster. Most likely, a disproportionate number will come from poorer nations with inadequate healthcare and high rates of illness, which are made worse by high rates of illiteracy and low levels of education. Given this, it would truly be a miracle if WAAW's theme this year—"Educate"—were to succeed. Advocate. Act now’ is taken seriously by our authorities — not simply for health reasons but also to reduce the huge economic burden caused by longer hospital stays, more expensive, often inaccessible, therapy, and loss of work hours.

A coordinated strategy is needed at a national scale to reduce the microbial danger. But, in the meantime, health authorities can step up disease-reducing measures such as carrying out frequent vaccination campaigns, ensuring cleanliness in neighbourhoods and public places, and keeping a vigilant eye on hospitals — the hotbeds of infection.

They should encourage antimicrobial stewardship to teach physicians how to prescribe and administer antibiotics responsibly, as advised by the WHO. Additionally, patients who would otherwise be discouraged by high costs may receive more accurate diagnoses as a result of inexpensive lab testing. Nothing, of course, can take the place of greater awareness among the public itself. But the state has to lead the way by recognising the health challenge and taking steps where it can.