World Antibiotic Awareness Week occurs annually in November. It aims to draw attention to the role of effective use of antibiotics in preventing and containing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Antibiotic Awareness Week is a key initiative to promote the correct use of antibiotics to contribute to the avoidance of further emergence and spread of AMR. AMR is already affecting the care of healthcare consumers now and current trends indicate this will have an increasing impact over time.
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.
Download resources for Antibiotic Awareness Week https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/healthcare-associated-infection/antimicrobial-stewardship/antibiotic-awareness-week/resources-for-antibiotic-awareness-week/