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Antibiotic Awareness Week
14-20 November 2016
ANTIBIOTICS: HANDLE WITH CARE
“Antimicrobial resistance is a danger of the utmost urgency. This year will be a pivotal one…We have a global action plan. What we need now is the action“
Margaret Chan, WHO Director – General addresses the Executive Board.
Report by the Director-General to the Executive Board at its 138th Session
Geneva, Switzerland. 25 January 2016
Antibiotic Awareness Week will take place from 14–20 November and is endorsed by the World Health Organization, acknowledging the global importance of this growing public health issue.
All health services and hospitals are encouraged to take part in Antibiotic Awareness Week, to help raise awareness of the problem of antibiotic resistance and ways to address this issue.
You can start preparing for Antibiotic Awareness Week now. Visit the resources page where you will find a ‘Planning guide’ and an ‘Ideas for activities and events’ list to get you started.
Key Messages for Antibiotic Awareness Week
- Antibiotics are a precious resource that could be lost.
- Antibiotic resistance is happening now – it is a worldwide problem that affects human and animal health.
- Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria stops an antibiotic from working effectively – meaning some infections may be impossible to treat.
- Few new antibiotics are being developed to help solve this problem.
- Misuse of antibiotics contributes to antibiotic resistance.
- Whenever antibiotics must be used, they must be used with care.
Get involved
Join the conversation – follow the Commission on Twitter @ACSQHC
During Antibiotic Awareness Week you can learn more about the importance of safe and appropriate antibiotic use in addressing the problem of antibiotic resistance on Twitter. Many clinicians and organisations will be participating. Use the hashtag #AbxAus for the local campaign.