Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the term used to describe the capacity of microorganisms to resist to the medicines used to treat infections. It is a major global threat of increasing concern to human and animal health. It also has implications for food safety, food security and the economic well-being of millions of households. The health and economic consequences of AMR are potentially enormous, but the full impact remains hard to estimate.

FAO is working closely with key partners such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the World Food Organisation (WHO) and others in a global response to the threat of AMR.