Antimicrobial Resistance - information for the public and resources for pharmacists

“Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest health challenges of our time, and we cannot leave it for our children to solve.” Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus WHO Director-General (WHO, November 2020)

What is Antimicrobial Resistance?

Antimicrobial Resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, disability and death (WHO, 2023).

The role of the PSI in helping to address antimicrobial resistance

The PSI is committed to playing its part and supports the Government’s ‘One Health’ approach to addressing the challenge of antimicrobial resistance. The ‘One Health’ approach recognises the close collaboration, communication and coordination needed across the health, agricultural and environmental sectors to optimise outcomes for people, animals and our environment to address the challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

The PSI is a stakeholder in the delivery of iNAP2, Ireland’s second One Health National action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2021 – 2025. This sets out Ireland’s roadmap for tackling Antimicrobial Resistance on a national level.

Information and resources are available at the below links to assist both pharmacists and the public.