Jordan Access, Watch, Reserve (AWaRe) Categories

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

AMR has emerged as a global health crisis, posing a significant threat to human and animal health, as well as to the environment and the economy. This pressing challenge demands our attention and collective actions.

Antimicrobial resistance refers to the ability of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, to develop resistance to the drugs designed to kill or inhibit their growth. This means that the medications we rely on to treat infections, including antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals, are becoming increasingly ineffective against these pathogens.

Consequences of AMR:

• Prolonged illnesses


• Increased mortality rates


• Higher healthcare costs

Causes of Antimicrobial Resistance: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is driven by a combination of factors. The development and spread of resistance in microorganisms is influenced by various causes, such as:

• Increased Antimicrobial Consumption (overuse and misuse)


• Incomplete Treatment


• Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescribing


• Poor Infection Prevention and Control


• Lack of Research and Development for New Antibiotics


• Non-Prescription dispensing of antibiotics

Antimicrobial consumption in Jordan is one of the significant challenges to combatting AMR effectively. And this is achieved through taking important steps to address this issue by implementation of National Action Plan, educational and awareness campaigns, strengthen healthcare systems, Adapt the international treatment guidelines with modification in accordance to the existing local microbial resistance, building the antimicrobial consumption database and categorize the antibiotics into AWaRe Categories.