Microorganisms that cause infection (including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) evolve over time and can become unresponsive—or resistant—to antimicrobial medicines (including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics). When these medications become ineffective in treating infections, the risk of severe illness and death increases, as does the risk of spread to others. The term “superbug” has been used to describe these evolved microoganisms that have become antimicrobial resistant.1
In its Global antibiotic resistance surveillance report 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has named AMR as one of the top 10 global public health threats.2 To bring attention to AMR and to promote action against it, WHO has designated 18-24 November each year as World Anti-Microbial Resistance Week (WAAW).
In Scotland, NSH Education for Scotland (NES) collaborating with the Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group and Glasgow Caledonian University have created a new national framework: Containing and Controlling Antimicrobial Resistance: A Knowledge and Skills Framework for Health and Social Care in Scotland. Everyone working or preparing to work in health and social care can benefit from this framework, which informs staff and students how they can:
- Prevent infections and follow Standard Infection Control Precautions
- Promote vaccination
- Recognise symptoms of infection
- Administer and monitor the use of antibiotics in a safe manner
- Dispose of antimicrobials safely
- Communicate about AMR effectively with colleagues, patients, and carers3
Emcare supports the efforts to fight superbugs by offering the course Infection Control for Care Staff, which is based on NHS Scotland Mandatory Induction Standards. The course content is the same for the regulated and non-regulated workforce. For more information, visit our website, call 0141 404 0075, or email info@emcare.co.uk.
Sources
1. Antimicrobial Resistance, World Health Organisation, https://www.who.int/health-topics/antimicrobial-resistance. Accessed 15 November 2025.
2. Global antibiotic resistance surveillance report 2025, World Health Organisation, https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240116337. Accessed 15 November 2025. 3. New knowledge and skills framework launched to tackle antimicrobial resistance” NHS Education for Scotland, https://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/news/new-knowledge-and-skills-framework-launched-to-tackle-antimicrobial-resistance/. Accessed 15 November 2025.
