Antimicrobials – including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics – are medicines used to prevent and treat infectious diseases in humans, animals and plants^.1

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) 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.¹

AMR is one of the top global public health and development threats. It is estimated that bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths. Accordingly, regarding the economic footprint of antimicrobial resistance, the World Bank estimates that AMR could result in US$ 1 trillion additional healthcare costs by 2050, and US$ 1 trillion to US$ 3.4 trillion gross domestic product (GDP) losses per year by 2030.¹

From data published by EODY in 2023, Greece ranks first among European countries in the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections and holds one of the highest rates of antimicrobial resistance in Europe for specific microbial strains. In a study recording the point prevalence of infections associated with healthcare facilities and the use of antibiotics in the period 2022-2023, the prevalence reached 12.1%, while in a corresponding study in 2016-2017 it was 10.0%.²

In light of the seriousness of the problem, Menarini has taken the decision to play a role in the fight against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) by providing effective and innovative solutions to treat resistant infections. Menarini also supports the responsible use of antibiotics aligned to best practice in AMS. 

"This information is intended for general information and information of the public and in no way can replace the advice of a physician or other competent health professional"

_References:

_{1. World Health Organization (WHO, https://www.who.int/); Home/Newsroom/Fact sheets/Detail/Antimicrobial resistance; https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance#:~:text=What. Last Accessed: 5/2024}

_{2. Διεύθυνση Επιδημιολογικής Επιτήρησης και Παρέμβασης για Λοιμώδη Νοσήματα, Κεντρικό Εργαστήριο Δημόσιας Υγείας – ΚΕΔΥ, Τμήμα Μικροβιακής Αντοχής και Λοιμώξεων που Σχετίζονται με Φροντίδα Υγείας; "Αποτελέσματα Επιτήρησης Μικροβιακής Αντοχής, Κατανάλωσης Αντιβιοτικών και Λοιμώξεων που Σχετίζονται με Φροντίδα Υγείας"; ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΟΡΓΑΝΙΣΜΟΣ ΔΗΜΟΣΙΑΣ ΥΓΕΙΑΣ (ΕΟΔΥ, eody.gov.gr), Ανακοινώσεις|30.08.2023; https://eody.gov.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/AMR-HAI-REPORT-EODY-28-8-2023.pdf . Last Accessed: 5/2024}