World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) is celebrated from 18-24 November every year. The 2021 theme; “Spread Awareness, Stop Resistance” calls on health stakeholders, policymakers, health care providers, and the general public to be Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness champions.
One of the key activities the World Health Organization is undertaking during this weeklong celebration is to educate the public on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR for short).
AMR results when microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that cause disease no longer respond to medicines that are used to treat them. This means that the antimicrobials (medicines that are used to treat infections) will no longer be effective at treating those infections. AMR occurs when these microbes change over time after being exposed to antimicrobials.
The consequences of AMR include difficulty in treating common infections, longer hospital stays and increase in the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and even death.
Many factors have accelerated the threat of AMR worldwide—including overuse and misuse of medicines in humans, livestock, and agriculture, as well as poor access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.
According to the World Health Organization, “Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and plants are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant infections.”
With respect to overuse and misuse of antimicrobials, you can do something about it: Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional before taking antibiotics.
As simple as it sounds, this could save your life one day.
Why should you speak to a qualified healthcare professional? There are different antimicrobials for different types of microorganisms. Antibiotics are used against bacteria, antivirals are used against viruses, and antifungals are used against fungi, etc. A qualified healthcare professional would be able to advise you on which one to take. Taking the inappropriate medicine for the wrong infection will not make you better but raises the risk of AMR.
For example, COVID-19 is caused by a virus, not by a bacteria so antibiotics are not used to treat a COVID infection. However, antibiotics may be used when there is bacterial co-infection.
The right diagnosis of an infection is crucial to treatment. It is only when diagnostic tests are performed to identify the type of microorganism that medications can be prescribed. It is our collective responsibility not to just take in any type of antimicrobial without knowing the organism causing it. Doing so will reduce the risk of AMR. Seek help from a qualified healthcare professional!
Patients not following their treatment instructions also contribute to the emergence of AMR. Don’t discontinue your treatment just when you feel well but always complete your course of treatment.
Antimicrobial resistance is a threat to our very existence and lets us all take action to reduce its emergence and spread.
Speak to your healthcare professional before you take any antimicrobial. In the meantime observe good personal hygiene and continue to adhere to the Covid 19 protocols.
