Aims and objectives: To emphasise the impact of antibiotic resistance as a persistent, global health threat and highlight efforts to improve this complex problem.
Background: Political agendas, legislation, development of therapies and educational initiatives are essential to mitigate the increasing rate of antibiotic resistance.
Design: Original manuscript.
Results: Prescribers, policymakers and researchers are charged with the complex task of mitigating antibiotic resistance in an era when new treatments for bacterial infections are limited.
Conclusions: Monitoring, surveillance and incentivising of practice, policy and new treatments provide solutions to antibiotic resistance in both the human and agricultural sectors.
Relevance to clinical practice: This article emphasises the complexity of antibiotic resistance and highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to improve health care outcomes.
Keywords: antibiotic resistance; education; legislation; policy; public health.
© 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.