Nepal needs to rethink its antimicrobial resistance strategy

Bridging the gap between access and misuse of antimicrobials requires a balanced approach that acknowledges local realities and fosters collaborative solutions.

Many people have heard about antibiotics, but do not precisely know what this medicine is and how it works, let alone what antimicrobial resistance (AMR) means. Yet, many have wondered why some infections become difficult to treat, even when antimicrobials are available. Do antimicrobials always work against infections? The fact remains that infectious agents, such as bacteria, do spontaneously develop resistance over time. But this process can be accelerated when bacteria are repeatedly exposed to antimicrobials, including through unnecessary or inappropriate use.