Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health threat. The rapid rise and spread of AMR—especially antibiotic resistance—places the well-being of the Western Pacific Region's 1.8 billion people at risk. During Antibiotic Awareness Week (17–23 November 2014), the World Health Organization (WHO) urges everyone to use antibiotics responsibly, so these drugs can continue to protect our families and communities from harmful bacteria.
“The misuse of antibiotics becomes a greater threat when combined with the forces of globalization. Global trade, travel, migration and medical tourism can spread resistant pathogens into every corner of the world in a matter of days. The emergence of resistant pathogens in one country directly threatens not only its neighbours, but also countries far away," said WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Shin Young-soo. "WHO and the regional public health community have a leading role in advocating a wide range of interventions to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance."
To engage communities, the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific has launched a drug resistance website and is urging everyone to sign an online pledge to “Use antibiotics responsibly.” Countries and areas across the Region are taking part in promoting antibiotic awareness week from Australia to Hong Kong (SAR) China.
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change to protect themselves and medications become ineffective. Antibiotic resistance specifically refers to the development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. This could mean that common antibiotics no longer work in treating infections such as pneumonia or diarrhoea. Antibiotic resistance is caused by: (1) overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals; (2) poor quality antibiotics; (3) the spread of drug resistance in health facilities and in the community; and (4) lack of hygiene.
The Action Agenda for Antimicrobial Resistance in the Western Pacific, was recently endorsed by the sixty-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific. The action agenda aims to strengthen national plans, raise awareness across sectors, improve surveillance and strengthen health system capacity to contain AMR. WHO will continue to work with countries to reduce the risks associated with overuse of antibiotics and drug resistance. This includes working to change the behaviour of health professionals and communities to use drugs more appropriately.