Combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
Throughout my research on antimicrobial resistance in low- and middle-income countries, I have been surprised at the low levels of awareness around inappropriate and overuse of antibiotics for humans and animals. For example, most of my Thai friends take antibiotics every time they have a common cold. That is why I promote the concept of an “antibiotic footprint,” asking questions like: When was the last time you took antibiotics? How many grams of antibiotics were used in raising the chicken that you are eating? How can you reduce your antibiotic footprint? We have to improve the way we communicate the total magnitude of antibiotic use and its impact on the world. Because all of us need to be resistance fighters.