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Today marks European Antibiotic Awareness Day, which launches World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), held from 18 to 24 November 2024.
This global campaign aims to increase awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promote best practices to prevent the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections. The theme for this year, “Educate. Advocate. Act Now,” highlights the importance of learning about AMR and taking collective action.
What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and no longer respond to antimicrobial agents. This makes infections harder (or even impossible to treat), leading to increased disease spread, severe illness, and deaths.
What can you do?
- Join over 200,000 others by signing up to the Antibiotic Guardian initiative
- Share your pledges on social media and encourage colleagues, friends, and family to join using hashtags like #WAAW, #AntibioticGuardian, #ConfrontingAMR, and #KeepAntibioticsWorking.
- Understand more about AMR by watching this short video animation.
- Access Health Education England’s [e-learning for healthcare] for AMR-related educational tools.
- Learn about the 2024–2029 National Action Plan and how you can contribute to its goals.
Spark conversations
During WAAW, start a conversation with colleagues, family, or friends. You could discuss:
- Your personal responsibility to keep antibiotics working.
- Why we should all be thankful for antibiotics.
- The importance of shared decision-making in antibiotic prescribing.
- The role of infection prevention and control measures.
- Self-care strategies for minor infections.
By working together, we can prevent the spread of AMR and safeguard the effectiveness of life-saving treatments for future generations.
For further information, visit the NW London ICB AMR Awareness page