Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness
Antibiotics are medications used to treat illnesses caused by bacteria in humans and animals. However, antibiotics and other drugs are losing their ability to fight infectious diseases. When antibiotics are used inappropriately, it can lead to something called antimicrobial resistance, where microbes (such as bacteria) have developed ways to protect themselves against these medications.
Antimicrobial resistance makes infections increasingly difficult or impossible to treat, which can cause an increase in the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.
Antibiotic Use in NL
NL has the highest use of antibiotics per capita in Canada, based on federal estimates among selected pharmacies.
Quality of Care NL analyzes data to learn more about antibiotic prescribing trends in the province, including the yearly prescription rate per 1,000 population, which demographic groups have the highest prescription rates, and which antibiotics are being prescribed the most.