Antimicrobial Resistance Policy in Thailand

AMR occurs when pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) develop a resistance or tolerance to the medicines that are used to combat these microorganisms, such that these treatments are no longer effective. AMR is a natural phenomenon, however the speed at which it occurs is impacted by how much exposure pathogens have to treatments. AMR has been increasing in low-, middle- and high-income countries around the world in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue. This increase has been principally driven by the increase in global demand for antibiotics, which are overused and, in many cases, misused (e.g. the use of antibiotics for common viral infections, like the flu, in humans) and this has been compounded by falling investment in the development of new antimicrobial agents, which means that resistance to antimicrobials is growing at a quicker rate than new antimicrobial treatments are being developed. Eventually, this can lead to a situation where there are no viable treatments available for certain conditions.

We also have a short version of this booklet, please click here to take a look.