World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week is a global campaign observed every year from 18-24 November to raise awareness and promote best practices to reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections. The theme for WAAW 2023 is 'Preventing antimicrobial resistance together.' Antimicrobial Resistance or AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial agents. Thus, antibiotics or antimicrobial agents become ineffective, and infections become difficult to treat, thus increasing the risk of disease spread and death. 
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week originated in 2011 when the European government adopted an action plan against antibiotic resistance. Its roots deepened in 2015 when a global action plan was supported. In response, WAAW was established, designated annually from November 18 to November 24. Evolving from World Antibiotic Awareness Week, it broadened its focus to include all antimicrobials in the year 2020.
Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance
When bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites evolve and become resistant to the drugs meant to eliminate them, antimicrobial resistance occurs. These microorganisms build a shield that protects them from the effects of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents. This resistance makes it tough or even impossible to treat infections, putting our health at serious risk. A global concern affecting people everywhere. The excessive use of antibiotics in healthcare, agriculture, and raising animals has sped up the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Misusing and overusing these medications are a big part of the problem. In simple terms, infections that were once easily treated are now becoming untreatable, making important medical procedures like surgeries, chemotherapy, and childbirth riskier.
Also Read: World Antibiotic Awareness Week: All You Need To Know About Antibiotic Resistance
Impact Of Antimicrobial Resistance On Public Health
AMR is a significant threat to public health. It means that once manageable infections can now become severe and last longer. This leads to higher healthcare costs, longer hospital stays, and an increased risk of complications. Simply put, our ability to treat infectious diseases is under threat, making everyday medical interventions more dangerous. Therefore, everyone, from individuals to communities, has a collective responsibility to join hands to tackle this issue. By working together, we can adopt practices that stop antimicrobial resistance from getting worse.
Best Practices to Reduce Antimicrobial Resistance
The health of future generations depends on the actions that are taken in the present. Thus, it is important to unite, make informed choices, and work together to safeguard our health from the silent threat of antimicrobial resistance. Here are some important things we can do to fight back against AMR.
Using Antibiotics Responsibly
One crucial step is to use antibiotics responsibly. This means taking them exactly as prescribed by your doctor, not using them for viral infections like the common cold, on your own, and only taking them when necessary. Simple everyday practices like regular handwashing, staying clean, and getting vaccinated also play a huge role in preventing infections, which in turn reduces the need for antibiotics.
Role of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry
The use of antibiotics in raising animals and in agriculture can lead to the development of resistant strains that can make their way to humans, more like a chain reaction. By promoting sustainable farming practices and using antibiotics responsibly in animals, we can help make sure these drugs continue to work for both humans and animals.
Global Policy Regulation
Tackling AMR requires a team effort on a global scale. Policymakers have a crucial role in making and enforcing rules that prevent the misuse of antimicrobial agents. Countries need to work together, share information on resistance patterns, and come up with strategies to fight AMR collectively.
Raising Public Awareness
People must know about AMR, its consequences, and how each one of us can make a difference. Educational programs, community outreach efforts, and easy-to-understand information can empower individuals to make better choices when it comes to using antibiotics. Understanding that AMR is a shared problem encourages everyone to be part of the solution. The simple way is to spread the word.
