This book provides an overview of antibiotics and the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), integrating clinical, policy, and public health perspectives. Divided into five sections, the book discusses the evolution of antibiotics and examines rational antibiotic use while addressing key drivers of AMR and evidence-based containment strategies. It explores global initiatives, One Health approaches, and the roles of health systems, veterinary practice, environmental sectors, private healthcare providers, and civil society in mitigating AMR. Further chapters discuss the AMR surveillance across human and animal health sectors, antimicrobial consumption monitoring, stewardship programs, infection prevention, and vaccination strategies. The book also discusses research priorities, challenges in antibiotic development, alternative therapeutic approaches, and communication frameworks supporting behavior change and sustainable AMR control.
The book is relevant for policy makers, medical professionals, veterinary professionals, civil society stakeholders, environmentalists, and communication scientists working in antimicrobial resistance prevention, public health planning, and global health policy.

Dr. Rajesh Bhatia (MBBS, MD, FRSPH) is the former director of communicable diseases at the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region, New Delhi, India. His areas of research interest and expertise include antimicrobial resistance surveillance, One Health approaches, health policy development, capacity building, and community engagement for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) containment. Dr. Bhatia has authored more than 180 scientific publications, including over 40 publications focused on antimicrobial resistance, and has contributed to several international technical reports, policy frameworks, and strategic documents on AMR. He has worked closely with global organizations, including WHO, FAO, UNEP, the Asian Development Bank, USAID, and multiple national governments, contributing to key initiatives such as the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, the Jaipur Declaration on AMR, and regional AMR strategies in South-East Asia. He played a key role in establishing India’s first antimicrobial resistance surveillance networks in human health and animal sectors. Dr. Bhatia has received gold medals from the Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists, the Indian Association of Epidemiologists, and the Indian Vaccinologists Association for his contributions to public health. In 2025, he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), United Kingdom.