World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW): 18-24 November
Join us to help protect the power of antibiotics
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%.
How you can help
Everyone in south east London can contribute to the fight against AMR. Here’s how:
- Watch and share: Check out our Antibiotic Guardian pledge video, where local healthcare professionals share their commitment to preventing AMR.
- Make a pledge: Become an Antibiotic Guardian and commit to using antibiotics responsibly. Make your pledge here.
- Social Media: Spread the word using hashtags like #KeepAntibioticsWorking and #AntibioticResistance.
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.