World AMR Awareness Week Warns of Growing Threat from Superbugs
20 Nov 2025
Dr Danielle McMullen, President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA), has warned that Australia could face a "return to the medical dark ages" if resistance to antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals is not addressed. She expressed concern about policies that might make the problem worse, such as giving prescribing rights to non-medical professionals without proper protections.
Dr McMullen said that overprescribing and the misuse of antimicrobials are key reasons behind the rise in resistance.
She emphasized that Australia has always limited prescribing to medical professionals, which she considers the safest and most effective approach. She stressed the need to avoid risky changes that could harm patient safety and lead to fragmented healthcare.
This year’s World AMR Week theme, "Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future," encourages immediate action to safeguard health systems, food security, the environment, and the economy from the effects of antimicrobial resistance.
The AMA’s report, *Antimicrobial resistance: the silent pandemic*, points out that while Australia is in a good position to lead regional efforts, there are still areas that need improvement, such as public awareness, responsible use, research support, and the coordination of health policies across different sectors.
Source: Australian Medical Association (AMA)
Dr McMullen said that overprescribing and the misuse of antimicrobials are key reasons behind the rise in resistance.
She emphasized that Australia has always limited prescribing to medical professionals, which she considers the safest and most effective approach. She stressed the need to avoid risky changes that could harm patient safety and lead to fragmented healthcare.
This year’s World AMR Week theme, "Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future," encourages immediate action to safeguard health systems, food security, the environment, and the economy from the effects of antimicrobial resistance.
The AMA’s report, *Antimicrobial resistance: the silent pandemic*, points out that while Australia is in a good position to lead regional efforts, there are still areas that need improvement, such as public awareness, responsible use, research support, and the coordination of health policies across different sectors.
Source: Australian Medical Association (AMA)
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