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Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial agents like antibiotics. As a result, infections become harder or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. AMR poses a growing threat to public health worldwide.
World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW)
WAAW is a global campaign held annually from November 18-24, aimed at raising awareness of AMR and promoting best practices to reduce the spread of drug-resistant infections. The campaign encourages One Health stakeholders—from human and animal health sectors to food production and environmental experts—to collaborate in combating this urgent health crisis.
Theme for WAAW 2024: “Educate. Advocate. Act now.”
The theme for WAAW 2024 was developed based on feedback from nearly 200 stakeholders worldwide, spanning human, animal, plant, and environmental health sectors. This theme underscores the urgent need to:
- Educate stakeholders about the risks of AMR.
- Advocate for stronger global commitments to tackle AMR.
- Act now to take concrete actions to combat antimicrobial resistance.
AMR is a global health and socioeconomic crisis affecting human and animal health, food production, and the environment. Drug-resistant pathogens threaten everyone, everywhere. More awareness and action are needed, which is why this year’s theme calls on the global community to educate, advocate, and act in response to AMR.
Global Political Commitment and Opportunities
The 2024 UNGA High-level Meeting on AMR and the 4th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, are key events that provide critical opportunities for political and financial commitments to combat AMR. These gatherings aim to increase accountability and promote stronger leadership and advocacy at all levels. The time to act is now, as stronger commitments and leadership are needed across sectors to reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections.
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