World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) is a global campaign that is celebrated annually to improve awareness and understanding of AMR and encourage best practices among the public, on 18–24 November One Health stakeholders and policymakers, who all play a critical role in reducing the further emergence and spread of AMR.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a natural phenomenon, but the misuse of antimicrobials in humans and animals, and poor hygiene and infection prevention and control practices in health-care settings or in the food chain are accelerating the process. This means that over time, common infections are becoming harder to treat as the antimicrobials used to treat them become less effective.
The theme for the World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) 2024 is “Educate. Advocate. Act now.”
This year’s theme calls on the global community to educate stakeholders on AMR, advocate for bold commitments and take concrete actions in response to AMR. The 2024 UNGA High-level Meeting on AMR and the fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR, for instance, provide a critical window of opportunity for political and financial commitments as well as increased accountability in response to AMR. Stronger political leadership, advocacy and accountability are needed at all levels and the time to act is now.
References
World Health Organization (WHO). World Antimicrobial Awareness Week
