As drug-resistant infections rise and the effectiveness of antibiotics wanes, the global community prepares to observe World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) from November 18-24, 2024. This year’s theme, “Educate. Advocate. Act now.”, highlights the urgent need for education, advocacy, and immediate action to address the rapidly escalating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis.

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop resistance to antimicrobial agents, rendering treatments like antibiotics ineffective. This resistance has dire consequences, leading to difficult-to-treat infections, increased disease spread, severe illness, and higher mortality rates. As a One Health issue, AMR impacts human and animal health, food production, and the environment, posing a global threat.

The theme for WAAW 2024 emerged from a survey that engaged nearly 200 stakeholders worldwide, spanning the human, animal, plant, and environmental health sectors. “Educate. Advocate. Act now.” underscores the necessity for coordinated efforts across these sectors to foster awareness and inspire immediate steps to combat AMR.

The year 2024 brings critical opportunities for addressing AMR on the global stage, including the United Nations General Assembly’s High-Level Meeting on AMR and the fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR. These platforms aim to secure political commitments, financial backing, and stronger accountability measures from global leaders and stakeholders. Increased political leadership and advocacy are essential to drive substantial change and prevent AMR from further threatening health systems worldwide.

WAAW 2024 emphasizes that the time to act is now. Educating the public and stakeholders about AMR, advocating for sustainable commitments, and taking concrete actions to prevent the spread of drug-resistant infections are essential to curb this global health threat.