Infectious diseases account for a substantial proportion of deaths worldwide. Much of the progress made recently in treating these infections is now threatened by a growing number of microbes that are becoming resistant to drugs once effective in combating them. The decreasing effectiveness of antimicrobials (antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasites) is a growing global public health concern. Multi-drug resistance and gram-negative bacterial resistance are particular concerns. But global taskforce objectives are encouraging, as are guidelines that seek to limit the use and prescribing of antimicrobials, especially antibiotics. Bacteriophage therapy and traditional plant-based medicines offer further scope in tackling what is predicted to be one of the biggest medical challenges of the 21st century.