World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (18-24 Nov)

Sangita Thangjam
World Antimicroba lResistance Awareness Week (WAAW) is a global campaign to raise awareness and understanding of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and promote best practices among One Health stakeholders to reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections. It was endorsed at the Sixty-eighth World Health Assembly in May 2015. WAAW is celebrated from 18-24November every year.
AMR is an increasingly serious threat to global public health that requires action across all Government sectors and society. It has significant impacts on human and animal health, food production and the environment. Drug-resistant- pathogens pose a threat to everyone, everywhere.
The theme for the WAAW this year is “Educate. Advocate. Act now.” It is a call on the global community to educate stake- holders on AMR, advocate for bold commitments and take concrete actions in response to AMR. Stronger political leadership, advocacy and accountability are needed at all levels and the time to act is now.
Antimicrobials are considered a precious resource, so it is important to get the right advice before taking them. This will ensure that you and your family get the best treatment minimising antimicrobial resistance. The future of antimicrobials depends on all of us.
AMR is occurring everywhere in the world, affecting the treatment of infectious diseases. Misuse of antimicrobials in humans and animals is accelerating the process of AMR. A large number of infections are becoming difficult to treat as the number of antimicrobials used to treat them is gradually decreasing over time. Taking antimicrobials when we don’t need them speeds up AMR.
AMR infections are more complex and harder to treat and they can affect anyone of any age in any country. AMR is one of the biggest health challenges and India finds itself at the centre of this public health emergency.
India has high rates of resistance to antimicrobials used in humans and animals. At the global level, AMR has claimed about 1.14 million deaths annually and mortality is expected to increase by 1.91 million by 2050. It is said that AMR kills more people than cancer and road traffic accidents together.
The need of the hour is to emphasize on optimal use of antimicrobials at all levels of human and animal usage.

The writer is  Assistant Professor, Dept of Microbiology, Shija Academy of Health Sciences & Infection Control Officer, Shija Hospitals and Research Institute & Member, AMR Technical Committee, Manipur