Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is already undermining modern medicine and is a major public health threat that can affect anyone, of any age, in any country.
In Canada, AMR is already a significant burden on human health, health care and the economy – causing almost 15 deaths a day and costing our health care system about $1.4 billion annually.
AMR is a concern for all clinicians, including oral health professionals. Dentists prescribe about 10% of all antibiotics for humans. Studies show that some of these prescriptions are unnecessary.
November 18-24 is World Antimicrobial Awareness Week and this year’s theme is “Spread Awareness, Stop Resistance.”
In the below video, Canada’s Deputy Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Howard Njoo, speaks about the importance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and why the time to act on this issue is now.
