World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2024: Educate, Advocate, and Act

• Written by Rashmi Rai

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World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) is a global event that highlights the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It also encourages best practices in the prevention and control of infections. The World Antimicrobial Awareness Week or Antibiotic Awareness Week is celebrated between 18-24 November every year.

Let’s learn more about Antibiotic Awareness Week, its objectives, and how individuals and communities can contribute to combating antimicrobial resistance in detail.

Importance of Antimicrobial Awareness Week

Every year, during antimicrobial awareness week, the WHO urges authorities to spread awareness of the threats of antimicrobial resistance and educate people about the appropriate use of antibiotics.

• Raising Awareness: World Antimicrobial Awareness Week helps to educate people and doctors about Antimicrobial Resistance, which is a global threat.
• Encouraging Responsible Use: The week promotes the judicial use of antibiotics. It educates about when to use and when to avoid the consumption of antibiotics to avoid the misuse of antibiotics.
• Promoting Infection Prevention: World Antimicrobial Awareness Week focuses on promoting infection prevention methods such as vaccination and maintaining hygiene. To avoid the overuse of antibiotics.

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week Theme

This year, World Antimicrobial Awareness Week's theme is "Educate, Advocate, Act Now." This theme encourages collaboration across various sectors to educate people about the misuse of antibiotics. It also enlightens people to preserve the effectiveness of medicines that help save lives.

What are Antibiotics?

Antibiotics are therapeutic drugs that suppress the effect or kill other microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. Antibiotics are substances secreted by biological organisms and are used to kill another inferior organism. For instance, the penicillin used to treat osteomyelitis was first secreted by Penicillium fungus. Further, penicillin was genetically improved to enhance its effects and treat specific problems. Some familiar names of antibiotics that can be easily heard in Indian households are Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Metronidazole, etc.

What is Antimicrobial Resistance?

Once we take antibiotics frequently to reduce the effects or kill a specific pathogen inside our body, the pathogen starts fighting with the antibiotic and gradually develops resistance against it. This resistance of the pathogen against the drug is known as antimicrobial resistance. The case of antimicrobial resistance has increased over the years due to the overuse of antibiotics.

How to Get Involved in Antibiotic Awareness Week

The World Health Organisation (WHO) annually urges people worldwide to celebrate Antibiotic Awareness Week with an appropriate slogan. This year, the motto is "Preventing antimicrobial resistance together."

To raise awareness, many activities and campaigns are held during World Antibiotic Awareness Week.

• Avoid the Profuse Use of Antibiotics: People usually take antibiotic doses without consulting their doctor when viral fever strikes. Although this practice may help people feel better, it contributes mainly to enhanced antimicrobial resistance. One of the biggest causes of increasing antimicrobial resistance is the profuse use of antibiotics. This year, we must take a pledge to avoid using antibiotics without consulting a medical expert.
• Spread Awareness among Friends and Family: If you find friends and family absurdly taking antibiotics for all physiological problems, tell them not to do so. Educate them about the possible threats they may be inviting by taking antibiotic pills regularly.
• Learn more about Antibiotic Resistance: While you raise awareness about the appropriate use of antibiotics, ensure that you, too, learn more about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Keep a check on recently discovered antibiotic-resistant diseases so that you do not end up taking inappropriate medicines.
• Always Follow a Healthy Lifestyle: Following a healthy and active lifestyle is advised to stay immune to various daily-life diseases. Allow your body to heal from common problems such as body aches, colds, and mild fever. Only head to a doctor if the condition persists.

>> Also Read: How to Lead a Healthy Lifestyle?

Before We Wrap It Up!

Antibiotics are crucial parts of medicine. They are drugs used to kill foreign pathogens inside the body. However, the misuse of antibiotics has adverse effects on an individual's physiology. Thus, one must always take antibiotics with an expert's prescription.

Another reason people take antibiotics and other medicines on their own is the lack of resources to reach a doctor in times of need. Hence, to cover yourself financially for any such condition, you can rely on your best companion—a health insurance plan. We at Care Health Insurance provide unlimited e-consultations to enhance the doctor's connectivity with the patient.

This Antimicrobial Awareness Day, let us come together and protect ourselves and our loved ones from the threat of antimicrobial resistance!

Disclaimer: The above-mentioned information is for reference purposes only. Kindly refer to the official sources for the latest updates on the facts and information provided. Plan features and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions.