World Antimicrobial Awareness Week

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week

18 - 24 November 2021

© WHO / Blink Media - Etinosa Yvonne
Dr Amina Abubakar Bello disinfects her hands as nurse Dorcas Samuel prepares her to go into the theater for a surgery in the Jummai Babangida Aliyu Maternal and Neonatal Hospital (JBAMN) in Niger State on 24 February 2021.
© Credits

Caption: Dr Amina Abubakar Bello disinfects her hands as nurse Dorcas Samuel prepares her to go into the theater for a surgery in the Jummai Babangida Aliyu Maternal and Neonatal Hospital (JBAMN) in Niger State on 24 February 2021.

Visual stamp "Handle Antimicrobials with Care"

Spread Awareness, Stop Resistance

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) is celebrated from 18-24 November every year. The 2021 theme, Spread Awareness, Stop Resistance, called on One Health stakeholders, policymakers, health care providers, and the general public to be Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness champions.

Information about WAAW activities, the Go Blue for AMR campaign, and resources is below. Sign up for the WAAW and AMR newsletter for future details.

 

Highlighted Events

Highlighted Events

→
Did you "Go Blue"?

Did you "Go Blue"?

→
Campaign Materials

Campaign Materials

→

AMR Basics

What is antimicrobial resistance?

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites (microbes) no longer respond to medicines, making common infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.
Many factors have accelerated the threat of AMR worldwide—including overuse and misuse of medicines in humans, livestock and agriculture, as well as poor access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene.
Show less Show more

Why is AMR increasing?

Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals and plants are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant infections. For example, COVID-19 is caused by a virus, not by a bacteria so antibiotics should not be used to treat a COVID infection. Poor diagnostic and prescribing practices and patients not following their treatment also contribute.
Lack of clean water and sanitation in health care facilities, farms and community settings and inadequate infection prevention and control promotes the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections.
Show less Show more

How can you prevent AMR?

Related

Stories from the field