World AMR Awareness Week (Start)

What Is World AMR Awareness Week?

November 18 to 24 every year is the World Health Organization's World AMR Awareness Week. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines. The week is a global campaign held every year to improve awareness and understanding of AMR and to encourage best practices among the public, One Health stakeholders, and policymakers.

History of the Awareness Week

Looking back at past editions listed on the WHO website, the name and dates have changed as follows.

• 2015 to 2019: It was held as "World Antibiotic Awareness Week." It ran from November 16 to 22 in 2015, 14 to 20 in 2016, and 13 to 19 in 2017.
• November 18 to 24 since 2018: Since 2018, it has been held every year from November 18 to 24.
• 2020 to 2022: It was held under the name "World Antimicrobial Awareness Week."
• Since 2023: It has been called "World AMR Awareness Week."

Why AMR Is a Problem

According to WHO, when antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines become ineffective due to drug resistance, infections become increasingly difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. In May 2015, the Sixty-eighth World Health Assembly endorsed a global action plan to tackle this problem, and one of its key objectives is to improve awareness and understanding of AMR through effective communication, education, and training.

Tips for Marking This Day

• When using antibiotics or other medicines, make sure to follow the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist
• Review basic habits that prevent infections, such as handwashing
• Look up this year's World AMR Awareness Week theme on the WHO website
• If you have questions about your medicines, ask a doctor or pharmacist

Protecting a Future Where Medicines Work

According to WHO, drug resistance makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. World AMR Awareness Week, which begins on November 18, is a week to think about using medicines correctly and preventing infections.