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Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a threat to human and animal health tweeted UNEP

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) tweeted saying, Antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a threat to human and animal health and don't let antimicrobial resistance take control. Antibiotics kill the bacteria that cause infections and diseases. They’re used in billions of operations, and without them, an infection caused by something like a paper cut could prove fatal.

Updated on: 13 July, 2020 6:37 PM IST By: Pritam Kashyap

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) tweeted saying, Antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a threat to human and animal health and don't let antimicrobial resistance take control. Antibiotics kill the bacteria that cause infections and diseases. They’re used in billions of operations, and without them, an infection caused by something like a paper cut could prove fatal.

The drugs don’t work as bacteria are constantly multiplying, a small number of cells will emerge now and again with DNA mutation immunity to an antibiotic. The more drug-resistant bacteria there are, the more dangerous infections become.

The race is on – Scientists are on the lookout for new antibiotics and alternative ways to fight infections. Meanwhile, GPs and patients are being encouraged to curb their use of the drugs. The Longitude Prize is offering £10m for anyone who can develop a cheap, accurate and easy-to-use test for bacterial infections, helping to reduce the number of misdiagnoses and prescriptions.

Even last year National Science Centre, New Delhi is organizing an exhibition on “Superbugs: The End of Antibiotics?” from 6 September to 17 November 2019. In which Hon’ble Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan and Prahlad Singh Patel, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C) Ministry of Culture, Government of India jointly inaugurated and participated in the exhibition. The main aim of the exhibition is to create awareness about antibiotic resistance with the help of the public while understanding the issue through communication, education, and training.

Superbugs which are Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have the ability of a microbe to resist the effects of medication. The term Antibiotic Resistance or AMR applies only to bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics. Hence to live a better life one must complete the course of antibiotics as prescribed.

R.S. Dhulipati, Director of National Science Centre, Delhi said last year in an exhibition that, “Antibiotic-resistant Superbugs kill up to seven lakh people every year and it is a major threat. People must also complete their dosage of antibiotics properly and must only use the antibiotics when required.” He also insisted on cooperation between scientists, educators, media, doctors, students, poultry, etc. to help and free India from superbugs.

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