Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is an urgent global health crisis that occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become resistant to the drugs designed to eliminate them. As resistance builds, antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents lose their effectiveness, making infections harder or even impossible to treat. This escalating issue heightens the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death.

In response to this growing threat, the World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) is observed globally each year from November 18 to 24. The campaign aims to raise awareness and promote best practices across sectors to curb the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections. The theme for the 2024 WAAW is "Educate. Advocate. Act now," chosen based on feedback from health stakeholders involved in human, animal, plant, and environmental sectors.

AMR poses significant challenges across human and animal health, food production, and environmental protection. As drug-resistant pathogens become a threat to everyone, everywhere, there is an urgent need for greater awareness and stakeholder engagement. The 2024 theme calls on global communities to take immediate action by educating people about the dangers of AMR, advocating for stronger commitments, and taking concrete steps to combat the issue.

This year presents a critical window of opportunity, with the 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Meeting on AMR and the fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR. These events aim to drive political and financial commitments, increase accountability, and emphasize the need for stronger leadership in the fight against drug resistance.

The message of WAAW 2024 is clear: Now is the time for education, advocacy, and action to address the AMR crisis, protect global health, and prevent the further spread of drug-resistant infections.