[WORLD ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AWARENESS WEEK 2024]
Theme: Educate. Advocate. Act now
EDUCATE
What are #antimicrobials?
Antimicrobials are natural or synthetic substances that kill or inhibit the growth of micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses. They include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics and are essential tools in treating infections in humans, animals, and plants.
What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
Is the ability of #microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs designed to kill or inhibit their growth.
AMR occurs when microorganisms evolve in response to the use of antimicrobials, such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. The misuse and overuse of these drugs in human medicine, veterinary practice, agriculture, and aquaculture significantly accelerate this process.
Key Contributors to AMR:
Overuse: Unnecessary prescriptions or excessive use of antimicrobials.
Misuse: Failure to complete prescribed treatments or using antimicrobials without professional guidance.
Agriculture: Routine use of antimicrobials in animal farming for growth promotion or disease prevention.
Poor Infection Control: Inadequate hygiene, sanitation, and infection prevention measures.
Environmental Contamination: Improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste and untreated effluents carrying resistant microorganisms.
ADVOCATE
To make an impact in preventing AMR:
ü Educate and Raise Awareness through public awareness and youth engagement in your environment.
ü Participate in One Health collaborations, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
ü Advocate for stronger regulations on antimicrobial use, especially in agriculture and over-the-counter sales.
ü Support policies that encourage innovation in antimicrobial development and access to vaccines.
ü Take part in events like World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) to drive global conversations.
ü Support grassroots efforts to improve sanitation, hygiene, and vaccination coverage, which reduce reliance on antimicrobials.
ACT NOW!!!
World Health Organization World Organisation for Animal Health FAO ONE HEALTH COMMISSION
#WAAW2024 #AMR #OneHealth #EducateAdvocateActNow