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Over-prescribing of antibiotics is leading to a global rise in bacteria which are resistant to conventional antibiotics. If we are to avoid a world where common infections and routine operations become fatal, urgent action to reduce over-prescribing is needed. Yet in many countries, treating infection is still rather hit-and miss, with multiple rounds of drugs, each potentially creating new resistant strains. Nesta’s Longitude Prize is leading the fight back - incentivising over 70 teams globally to develop innovative new approaches to diagnosing and treating infections, so the world can still rely on the effectiveness of antibiotics.

Joining Nesta's Nigel Campbell to discuss this are:

• Dr Tina Joshi, Lecturer in Molecular Microbiology at the University of Plymouth and an expert in bio-microbial resistance,
• Caroline Purslow, Programme Manager for the Global Health Team, including the Longitude Prize, at the Challenge Prize Centre.

We also hear from Mary Millard who shares her experience of living with chronic bacterial infection, surviving acute septic shock, and the health challenges she has been dealing with since.

Future Curious is a Chalk & Blade production. Produced by Ruth Barnes, Laura Sheeter and Lily Ames. Original music by Ged Flood.