ICMR Alert on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Syllabus: Biotechnology and Health

Prime Minister's Office / ICMR

Why in news?

In Mann Ki Baat, PM highlighted an ICMR report showing antibiotics are failing against common infections like Pneumonia and UTI.

⚛️Static Concepts

Red Line CampaignOne Health ApproachChennai Declaration on AMR

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AMR: Occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi evolve and no longer respond to medicines.
Key Drivers: Indiscriminate use of antibiotics (self-medication), overuse in livestock/poultry, and poor sanitation.
Diseases Cited: Pneumonia and Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are becoming harder to treat.
One Health Approach: AMR must be tackled by integrating human, animal, and environmental health sectors.

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Examiner's Trap: AMR does not mean the body becomes resistant to antibiotics; it means the *bacteria* become resistant.

AMR Deaths: Global forecast predicts 10 million deaths/year by 2050 if unchecked.

GS-2: Issues relating to Health; GS-3: Science and Tech.

Red Line Campaign: Need to strictly enforce the 'Red Line' on antibiotic strips to prevent over-the-counter sales without prescription.
Behavioral Change: Public awareness campaigns (like in Mann Ki Baat) are crucial to stop patient demand for quick-fix antibiotics.