• Public, in particular farmers, misuse and overuse antimicrobials 

The Health Ministry expressed concerns that although the World Health Organisation considers antimicrobial resistance (AMR) one of the top 10 global health threats, Sri Lanka is yet to understand its gravity as a society.

Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe made these remarks during a media briefing held yesterday (12) by the Ministry’s Health Promotion Bureau. The discussion had been organised to mark the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week which is observed annually from 18 to 24 November.

He added: “Although the discovery of antimicrobials was a massive and crucial achievement, today, we have to confront their opposite effects. To show how serious this situation is, it has been nearly 30 years since a new antimicrobial was discovered. This is due to the difficulties involved in discovering new ones, which require significant time and funding. Had we used antimicrobials responsibly, they could have remained effective for much longer. However, misuse and overuse have shortened the period during which these drugs remain effective.”

Antimicrobials are used to deal with diseases caused by four types of pathogens, namely, viruses, algae, fungi and parasites in humans, animals and plants. During the discussion, medical experts pointed out that although it is essential to use antimicrobials based on evidence as to the causes and the nature of a disease, people, including various professional groups such as farmers, misuse and overuse them.