World AMR Awareness Week (Nov, 18-24)

World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) is a global campaign held annually from November 18-24 to raise awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promote best practices among stakeholders across various sectors. As we approach WAAW 2024, let’s delve into its history, significance, and the urgent call to action it represents.

History and Evolution

The concept of a dedicated week to address antimicrobial resistance emerged from the growing recognition of AMR as a critical global health threat. In 2015, the World Health Assembly endorsed a global action plan to tackle the problem of resistance to antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines. This plan emphasized the need for improved awareness and understanding of AMR through effective communication, education, and training. Initially known as World Antibiotic Awareness Week, the event has evolved to encompass all forms of antimicrobial resistance. In 2023, after global consultations, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially renamed it to World AMR Awareness Week, reflecting the broader scope of the challenge.

Theme and Slogan Evolution

Over the years, WAAW has adopted various themes and slogans to focus attention on different aspects of AMR:

2020: “United to preserve antimicrobials”
2021: “Spread awareness, stop resistance”
2022: “Preventing antimicrobial resistance together”
2023: “Preventing antimicrobial resistance together”
2024: “Educate. Advocate. Act now.”

The 2024 theme, “Educate. Advocate. Act now,” was chosen based on feedback from a global survey of stakeholders across human, animal, plant, and environmental health sectors1. This theme underscores the urgent need for education, advocacy, and immediate action to address the AMR crisis.

Major Advocacy and Campaigns

WAAW 2024 coincides with two significant events that provide critical opportunities for political and financial commitments:

The 2024 UN General Assembly High-level Meeting on AMR
The fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR

These events offer platforms for world leaders to collectively address the threat AMR poses to global health, food security, and the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals5.

Status and Regional Comparisons

AMR remains a pressing global health and socioeconomic crisis, affecting human and animal health, food production, and the environment. While comprehensive regional comparisons are complex due to varying surveillance and reporting systems, some key points include:

By 2050, AMR could cause 10 million deaths per year and cost the global economy $100 trillion if not addressed.
Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable, with 1 in 5 undergoing treatments being hospitalized due to infections.
The impact of AMR varies across regions, with lower- and middle-income countries often facing greater challenges due to limited healthcare resources and regulatory frameworks.

Leading Organizations and Resources

Several organizations are at the forefront of WAAW campaigns and AMR efforts:

World Health Organization (WHO): Leads the global WAAW campaign and provides comprehensive resources.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): Addresses AMR in food and agriculture sectors.
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH): Focuses on AMR in animal health.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): Examines environmental aspects of AMR.

National organizations also play crucial roles:

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA): Leads national WAAW activities in the UK.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Coordinates AMR efforts in the United States.

Campaign Resources

To support WAAW 2024, various resources are available:

WHO Campaign Guide: Offers ideas and materials for developing activities.
Social Media Toolkits: Provided by organizations like UICC with ready-made posts and messages.
Educational Materials: Including fact sheets, infographics, and videos from WHO and national health agencies.
Antibiotic Guardian Campaign: A pledge-based initiative encouraging responsible antibiotic use.

Call to Action

As we approach WAAW 2024, the global community is urged to:

Educate: Raise awareness about AMR among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public.
Advocate: Push for stronger political leadership and accountability in addressing AMR.
Act: Implement concrete measures to reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections.

World AMR Awareness Week 2024 presents a crucial opportunity to galvanize global efforts against one of the most serious health threats facing humanity. By educating, advocating, and acting now, we can work together to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials for future generations.