Appropriate use of antimicrobials: An ongoing and coordinated effort: An ongoing and coordinated effort

© Medpharm. The world is on the brink of a post antibiotic era and antibiotic resistance is no longer a prediction for the future; it is happening right now, across the world, and has the potential to put public health efforts into disarray. Despite the wealth of programmes and information, South Africa is not exempt from the threat of increasing antimicrobial resistance. An overview of the persisting issue of antimicrobial resistance, the current trends in antimicrobial stewardship and strategies for rational antibiotic use is provided. Specific emphasis is placed on the role of the pharmacist in containing antimicrobial resistance across the different practice settings, and working in collaboration with other healthcare professionals.