New Delhi, 16 November 2022: The World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) is celebrated every year between 18 to 24 November to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance among stakeholders. This year, the WAAW theme is “P reventing Antimicrobial R esistance T ogether.” The last day of WAAW, 24 November is the “Go Blue” day to raise awareness on AMR.

AMR infections take longer to treat, lead to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs and more deaths. In addition to the public health outcomes, AMR also impacts food safety, livelihood, and attainment of sustainable development goals.

AMR containment through adopting a “One Health” approach is a global priority, endorsed by the World Health Assembly, United Nations General Assembly, the Quadripartite (FAO- WHO-WOAH-UNEP), and the Global Leaders Group on AMR.

To participate in the global WAAW “Go Blue” campaign, WHO staff at the India country office dressed in blue to show their commitment to prevent antimicrobial resistance together.

We urge everyone to do their bit in addressing this urgent challenge by taking the following steps:

• Make yourself aware about AMR from credible sources of information
• Handle antimicrobials with care – never share left-over antimicrobials and prescriptions
• Follow the doctor’s prescription and treatment advice
• Keep your hands clean to prevent infections
• Spread the word – Go Blue on 24 November – dress in blue and post pictures on social media with the hashtag #WAAW, #AntimicrobialResistance and #AMR