In a significant event marking World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week 2024, YB Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health of Malaysia, alongside Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore, launched the week-long initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the critical issue of AMR.
The theme for this year, "Educate. Advocate. Act Now!", serves as a call for stakeholders across various sectors to come together and confront the growing challenge of AMR, which poses a serious threat to global health. AMR impacts not only human health but also the well-being of animals, plants and the environment, posing significant risks to our economies and health systems.
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Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health of Malaysia officiating the week-long initiative.
During the event, Dzulkefly emphasized the urgency of addressing AMR, noting its widespread implications for public health and the economy. He stated, "We must take action now, as the consequences of inaction are dire."
"We are grateful for everyone's continued support," Dzulkefly concluded. "Together, we can educate our communities, advocate for stronger policies, and take immediate action to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials."
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Panel discussion by experts across various fields on the challenges of AMR reporting and sharing of experiences at the media engagement workshop.
Earlier in the day, a media engagement workshop was hosted as part of World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week. This workshop recognized the pivotal role media plays in raising awareness about AMR and was aimed to further raise awareness among journalists and equip media professionals with the resources to report accurately on the evolving threat of AMR to global health security and economic prosperity, overcome challenges in AMR reporting and strengthen collaboration between media and other stakeholders.
In September 2024, at the United Nations General Assembly, the Political Declaration on AMR underscored the need for a One Health approach. This approach integrates actions across human, animal, plant, and environmental health, recognizing that the challenges posed by AMR cannot be tackled in isolation.
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Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore delivering his welcome speech at the launch.
"The challenge of AMR is immense, but it is not insurmountable." Dr Abeyasinghe remarked during his address. He praised the country’s commitment and leadership "Malaysia has been at the forefront of these efforts in the region, leading the way with its national AMR action plan, which is now a model for many countries."
In Malaysia, the commitment to tackling AMR has been reinforced by a pledge from both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Their unwavering support highlights the nation's dedication to addressing this pressing health challenge.
Malaysia is also integrating AMR education into primary, secondary, and tertiary curriculum to foster early awareness and responsible antimicrobial practices among youth. Programs such as the Health Promotion in Learning Institutions (HePiLI) engage students with foundational knowledge on AMR, equipping them to make informed health decisions.
The European Union has also played a vital role in our efforts against AMR in Malaysia. We are grateful for the continued engagement and support from all sectors. Together, we can educate communities, advocate for stronger policies, and take immediate action to ensure a healthier future for generations to come.
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Pledge wall to stop the overuse and misuse of antibiotics.
As the awareness week unfolds, the WHO encourages everyone to participate actively—whether by sharing knowledge, advocating for better practices, or taking personal steps to reduce the risk of AMR in their communities. Let us unite in the fight against AMR to ensure a healthier future for generations to come. For more information on how you can get involved and contribute to the fight against AMR, please visit
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-amr-awareness-week/2024