Rising Threats, Local Responses: Antibiotic Resistance Research in Nepal
In recent years, Nepal has witnessed a growing concern over antimicrobial resistance (AMR), especially in urban hospitals and rural health posts. With antibiotics widely used and often misused in both human and veterinary medicine, resistant strains of bacteria are increasingly emerging.
Research institutions like the Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC) and Tribhuvan University’s Central Department of Microbiology have been conducting localized studies to identify resistance patterns. These studies are crucial for forming guidelines for antibiotic use in Nepal’s public hospitals. Collaborative efforts with WHO have also led to national action plans being drafted.
Despite the progress, there are challenges: lack of surveillance systems, inadequate laboratory infrastructure in rural areas, and low awareness among the general population. Continued microbiological research in Nepal is essential to combat this silent but deadly threat.
