18 November 2023—WHPA is supporting World AMR Awareness Week #WAAW2023 with a joint social media campaign with its 5 member organizations on 18-24 November.
Antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health and development. As bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi become increasingly resistant to antimicrobial medicines, treatment options are reduced and infections can spread rapidly. While AMR occurs naturally over time, the problem is currently being exacerbated by human actions, including the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans and animals.
The health professions are doing their part to reduce AMR. As part of the #WAAW2023 social media campaign, WHPA is highlighting 6 main messages for health professionals:
- Make each prescription count – only use antimicrobials when necessary
- Stay educated – antimicrobial resistance is changing, make sure you’re up to date
- Keep patients in the loop – work together to avoid over-using antimicrobials
- Dispose of unused antimicrobials safely – let’s protect the environment
- Make governments aware – good AMR policies need input from health professionals
- Cooperate across sectors – a one-health-approach means agriculture, medicine and environment actors working together
WHPA organizations are working actively with their memberships to stem AMR through projects and statements, or via teams and commissions addressing the issue. Find out more:
World AMR Awareness Week is organized jointly by WHO, FAO, UNEP, and UN Animal Health Organization, making it a true One Health approach.