Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 11 (UNI) Kerala has published the 2024 State Antibiogram (AMR Surveillance Report), presenting an assessment of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) trends and the state’s strategy to curb misuse of antibiotics.
Kerala created history in 2022 when it became the first state in India to release an antibiogram. With the latest publication, the state has now released its report for the fourth consecutive year, showcasing consistent and structured action against AMR.
The state’s anti-AMR initiatives include the Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (CAR-SAP) and the Kerala AMR Surveillance Network (CARS-Net), officials said.
According to the 2024 report, antibiotic resistance in Kerala has shown a slight decline compared to previous years, but the government stressed that the situation continues to pose a major public health concern and demands sustained vigilance.
Kerala has gradually expanded AMR surveillance from tertiary hospitals to include primary and secondary-level facilities as well. A hub-and-spoke model now connects 59 laboratories across all 14 districts, making Kerala the only state in India with such an extensive AMR surveillance network.
This year’s antibiogram analysed 55,640 clinical samples, a significant increase from 40,323 samples in the previous report. The WHO-recommended WHONET software was used for data collection and analysis.
Kerala’s AMR-control model has received global appreciation. The state became the first in the world to design and implement culture reporting formats based on the WHO AWaRe classification for antibiotics.
Efforts are underway to make Kerala fully antibiotic-literate by the end of 2024, with intensified awareness programmes planned during Antibiotic Awareness Week.
Ongoing interventions have helped reduce antibiotic consumption in the state by an estimated 20 to 30 per cent this year. Two hospitals have already been declared Antibiotic-Smart Hospitals, and 100 more are expected to earn the status soon.
The government urged the public to use antibiotics responsibly. Antibiotics should only be taken based on a doctor’s prescription, in the correct dose and for the complete duration recommended.
Reusing old prescriptions, sharing medicines with others, or discontinuing treatment midway can cause bacteria to develop resistance. Leftover medicines should not be disposed of in public places or water bodies. The use of antibiotics, antivirals, antifungal, and antiparasitic drugs must always follow medical advice.
Health Minister Veena George released the report yesterday in the presence of Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Dr. Rajan N. Khobragade, SHA Executive Director Arun Kumar, CAR-SAP Nodal Officer Dr. N. Sarita, Convenor Dr. Aravind, and Dr. Sathyabhama.
