Via The World Health Organization.
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) is a global campaign to raise awareness and understanding of AMR and promote best practices among stakeholders to reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogens. WAAW is celebrated every year from November 18 to 24.
The theme of WAAW 2022 is “Preventing antimicrobial resistance together”. AMR is a threat to humans, animals, plants and the environment. It affects us all. That is why this year’s theme calls for cross-sectoral collaboration to preserve the efficacy of these important products.
Antimicrobials are agents used to prevent, control and treat infectious diseases in humans, animals and plants, but they are becoming increasingly ineffective.
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial agents. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.
AMR is happening here and now. It is one of the biggest threats to global health, food security and development today.
Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals and plants are accelerating the development and spread of AMR worldwide.
The challenges of AMR are complex and multifaceted, but they are not insurmountable.
To curb AMR effectively, all sectors must use antimicrobials prudently and adopt other preventive measures. The following actions can help reduce the need for antimicrobials and minimize the emergence of AMR:
- Strengthen infection prevention and control in health facilities, farms and food industry premises.
- Ensure access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene, and vaccines.
- Implement best practices in food and agricultural production.
- Minimize pollution and ensure proper waste and sanitation management.
