World Antimicrobial Awareness (WAAW)
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) is a global campaign to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promote responsible use of antibiotics and other medicines that fight infections. AMR happens when bacteria, viruses, and other microbes evolve, making treatments less effective or even useless.
Join us in learning how to protect these life-saving medicines and prevent the spread of resistant infections. Together, we can make a difference in preserving health and safety for future generations.
Did you know? Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat that needs all of our attention. Here are some important facts everyone should know:
- AMR is Deadly: Every year, over 1 million deaths are linked to infections that no longer respond to antibiotics. If we don’t act, AMR could cause 10 million deaths per year by 2050.
- Misuse Fuels Resistance: Taking antibiotics when they aren’t needed or not finishing a prescribed course leads to resistance. That means antibiotics could stop working when we really need them.
- Threat to Modern Medicine: Without effective antibiotics, surgeries, cancer treatments, and organ transplants become much riskier due to the threat of untreatable infections.
- It Affects Everyone: Resistant infections can spread through communities, food, water, and the environment, impacting global health and economies.
- Prevention is Key: Good hygiene, vaccination, and responsible use of antibiotics are essential to slowing down resistance.