Who We Are
Founded by Vanessa Carter, a patient advocate who survived a highly-resistant MRSA infection, The AMR Narrative was set up to promote and develop advocacy capacity among the public to improve participation and mobilise action against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). As patients and consumers, pet owners, parents or carers we play a pivotal role in advocating for the appropriate use of antimicrobial medicines. By protecting antimicrobial medicines in humans, animals, the environment and food sectors we are ensuring a more sustainable future for everyone especially those who are most vulnerable to untreatable infections.
Our Three Pillars
Develop Advocacy Capacity
Developing public and patient capacity around AMR to improve participation and advocacy through ongoing programmes, mentorship, tools and resources
Promote Public Understanding
Promoting public understanding of Antimicrobial Resistance through access to information and awareness raising
Foster Global Community
Building community and providing a platform for patients and the public to participate in events related to AMR, discover research projects and networking opportunities
What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
Microbes are part of nature and live all around us. Some of them even live harmoniously inside our bodies, but every now and again a bad one can cause us to get sick from an infection. Microbes include bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites.
Antimicrobials are different medicines that can be grouped according to the microbes they target. A well-known antimicrobial medicine for bacterial infections is called antibiotics. Since they were first discovered, antimicrobial medicines have been overused and misused in humans, animals and the environment which has led to microbes evolving to resist their effect. AMR affects anyone who relies on antimicrobials such as those with TB, AIDS/HIV, Malaria, Cancer, Rare Diseases and Diabetes as well as patients undergoing medical treatments that put them at risk of infection such as surgery, dentistry or treatment for a Urinary Tract Infection (Bladder Infection).
Antibiotics
treat bacterial infections
Antivirals
treat viral infections
Antifungals
treat fungal infections
Antiparasitics
treat parasitic infections
Million Deaths per year since 2019
Narratives matter
My journey facing Antibiotic Resistance in South Africa
Patient survivor and advocate Vanessa Carter describes her battle to overcome Antibiotic Resistance following a vehicle
accident and facial reconstruction in South Africa
I am a Survivor: The devastation of Healthcare-Associated Infections
Patient survivor and advocate Mary Millard describes her extensive experience living with the devastating effects of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI’s) in the USA
Blog
Events
AMR Patient and Public Advocacy drives change
Advocacy plays a crucial role in increasing awareness about the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the pressing need to take measures to prevent it. It also serves to educate policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public about the significance of using antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs responsibly.
Such advocacy efforts can lead to changes in prescribing practices, improved infection prevention and control measures, and increased funding for research and development of new antibiotics. Furthermore, advocacy can aid in reducing the misuse of antibiotics in agriculture, which is a significant contributor to the problem of AMR.
Organisations and events our AMR advocates have shared their narratives at or worked with:
RAISING VOICES FOR AMR NEWSLETTER
Sign up to receive the latest news including upcoming events, programmes, AMR educational and advocacy resources and fundraising opportunities.
