WHO Announces World Antibiotic Awareness Week

The World Health Organization (WHO) would like you to be a part of the first World Antibiotic Awareness Week, which will be held during the week of November 16^th-22^nd. With antimicrobial resistance occurring everywhere in the world, compromising the ability to treat infectious diseases, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the global problem and to promote best practices among the general public, healthcare providers, and policy-makers. Here are some key facts from WHO about antibiotic resistance:

• Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health today. It can affect anyone, of any age, in any country.
• Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally, but misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals is accelerating the process.
• A growing number of infections—such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and gonorrhea—are becoming harder to treat as the antibiotics used to treat them become less effective.
• Antibiotic resistance leads to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs and increased mortality.

WHO is trying to spread the word internationally to member countries and health partners to join the campaign. Resources are available at WHO’s website, including factsheets, infographics posters, and interactive, online materials.

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