18–24 November 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has notably changed the use of antibiotics in many countries of the WHO European Region.
Some countries have seen antibiotic use decline as a side-effect of precautionary measures such as lock down, physical distancing and improved hand hygiene. Unfortunately, in other situations antibiotic use has risen alarmingly, because people mistakenly believe antibiotics will help treat or protect against COVID-19 and purchase antibiotics without a proper consultation or prescription. In addition, due to lack of access to diagnostics many doctors have ended up prescribing antibiotics too often, to patients with viral respiratory diseases.
Observed between 18–24 November each year, World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) has as its slogan, “Antimicrobials: Handle with care” – highlighting that antimicrobials are a precious resource and should be used prudently.
As in previous years, this year’s WAAW campaign, with its theme of “Spread awareness, stop resistance”, aims to increase awareness of global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and to encourage best practices among the general public, health workers, farmers, animal health professionals and policy- makers to avoid the further emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections.
“One Health” approach
COVID-19 is only the latest in a succession of zoonotic infections transmitted from animals to humans with catastrophic consequences.
The causes and impacts of AMR cross human, animal and environmental health. Therefore, addressing AMR requires a holistic and multisectoral approach – referred to as a “One Health” approach. This approach is collaborative, multisectoral and transdisciplinary, recognizing the interconnections between people, animals and plants, and their shared environment.
During WAAW 2021, WHO/Europe will be promoting the responsible and prudent use of antibiotics across sectors, with different professions working together – from vets to doctors, pharmacists to farmers. WAAW will also raise awareness of other essential antimicrobials beyond antibiotics that are also affected by resistance.