Antibiotics are essential tools in modern medicine, from treating infections to supporting surgeries and cancer treatments. But overusing these medicines, especially for illnesses like colds and flu, is creating a serious problem: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). When bacteria, a type of germ that can make you sick, become resistant, our medicines can’t fight infections as effectively, making once-treatable illnesses potentially life-threatening.
World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), aims to educate the public about AMR and promoting the correct use of antibiotics. This year’s theme is simple but urgent: Educate the public on the risks of overusing antibiotics; Advocate for responsible use within healthcare settings; Act now by encouraging public support to protect these essential medicines.
In south east London, we’re seeing progress but still have work to do. Over the past year, broad-spectrum antibiotic use has decreased by 5%, but overall antibiotic prescribing has risen by 2%.
Everyone in south east London can contribute to the fight against AMR. Here’s how:
We all have a role to play in protecting antibiotics. Let’s unite to keep these powerful medicines working for us now and for future generations. Educate. Advocate. Act Now.