Preventing antimicrobial resistance together
The discovery of antimicrobials almost 90 years ago changed the course of modern medicine, giving doctors the ability to treat previously fatal infections. Since then, millions of lives have been saved.
Today, bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites are changing and becoming resistant to antimicrobials, like antibiotics, due to overuse and misuse of these medicines. As a result, common infections, like pneumonia, are becoming harder to treat – increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.
An estimated 5.2 million people in the Western Pacific Region are expected to die as a result of drug-resistant bacterial infections between now and the end of 2030. In 2020, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) caused far more deaths in the Western Pacific Region than tuberculosis or HIV/AIDS. Compared to noncommunicable diseases, AMR caused a similar number of deaths to diabetes, liver cirrhosis and breast cancer.
The theme for World AMR Awareness Week 2023, is "Preventing antimicrobial resistance together". AMR is a threat to humans, animals, plants and the environment. It affects us all. That is why this year's theme calls for cross-sectoral collaboration to preserve the efficacy of antimicrobials.
We call on all sectors to encourage the prudent use of antimicrobials and for health systems to transform to prepare for future pandemics resulting from antimicrobial resistance. Let’s work together to gear up our entire system for fighting against antimicrobial resistance, so that they can protect future generations.
Join the movement
Since 2017, WHO has called on people across the Region to take a Pledge to create a community of committed individuals that are Stewards for the Future helping to stop the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials and to make the Western Pacific the healthiest and safest region.
As we celebrate World Antimicrobial Awareness Week on 18-24 November, we’re inviting even more people to take the pledge, become Stewards for the Future and stand as One Region, One Movement to Fight AMR in the Western Pacific.
A Dialogue with Future Champions – The Power of Young People in the Fight against AMR
A crisis at our doorstep: Act on antimicrobial awareness to save lives