The National
Antimicrobial Resistance Dashboard
In collaboration with partners and stakeholders, the Centre for
Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI), Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), and
Mycoses (CHARM) is excited to launch the new National AMR Dashboard. The
dashboard provides consolidated data from both public and private laboratories
on bacterial and fungal pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance patterns.
To access the AMR National Dashboard, please visit the NICD Website.
AMR occurs when microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and
parasites, develop the ability to withstand the effects of antimicrobial
medicines such as antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals designed to kill or
restrict the growth of these microorganisms. The misuse and overuse of
antimicrobials in humans and animals are among the main drivers of the
development of drug-resistant pathogens.
It is estimated that antibiotic-resistant bacteria were directly responsible
for 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths. E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus,
Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii,
and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
commonly cause infections such as urinary tract infections, respiratory
infections, and bloodstream infections. Together, these bacteria were
responsible for nearly 80% of deaths caused by AMR in 2019. Unfortunately, the global prevalence of AMR among these key pathogens continues
to rise. Studies show that the incidence of healthcare-associated infections
caused by multi-drug-resistant pathogens such as carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacterales (CRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus
spp (VRE) has also increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fungal diseases are
also on the rise worldwide, and multi-drug-resistant fungi like Candida auris have now become
dominant among patients with Candida
bloodstream infection in South Africa.The objective of the National AMR Dashboard is to provide comprehensive and
integrated data on AMR from both the public and private health sectors. This
data supports national surveillance, informs policy, facilitates research, and
evaluates the effectiveness of AMR strategies. In addition, the dashboard aims
to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and the public. It also
delivers real-time data to hospitals, enabling them to enhance infection
control and antimicrobial stewardship efforts.We can use the National AMR Dashboard to "Educate.
Advocate. Act now" (World Health Organization).