WHO Raises Awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance

November 18-24 has been named World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) by the World Health Organization (WHO). WAAW seeks to increase awareness of and support a global response to the overuse of antibiotics and antimicrobial agents, which have led to a global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Overuse of antimicrobial medicines in humans, plants, and animals cause antimicrobial resistance, which happens when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites resist the effects of medication. AMR makes common infections harder to treat, which in turn leads to disease spreading more widely and increased risk for severe illnesses and death.

WHO endorsed a global action plan in 2015 to address the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, which included the creation of WAAW to increase public awareness of the problem. This year stakeholders expanded the focus from “antibiotics” to the more encompassing “antimicrobials,” and determined November 18-24 each year will be recognized as WAAW.

For more information and to take the pledge to stop overuse of antibiotics and antimicrobials, click here.