Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance; A Conversation with the WHO 💊👇 WAAW2022 WorldAntimicrobialAwarenessWeek globalhealth interview healthcare
Interview conducted by Emily Henderson, B.Sc.Nov 21 2022 Thought LeadersSilvia BertagnolioUnit Head of the Antimicrobial Resistance DivisionWorld Health Organization For World Antimicrobial Awareness Week , we speak to Silvia Bertagnolio, the Unit Head in the Antimicrobial Resistance Division at the World Health Organization , about the importance of raising awareness of AMR and how everyone has a role to play in preventing it.
First, the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, like the widespread practice of prescribing antibiotics to treat viral infections, or the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in livestock as growth promoters, has selected out strains of microorganisms that are naturally resistant to those antimicrobials. Second, inadequate practices to prevent and control infections has resulted in the spread of these resistant microorganisms across populations.
To help tackle AMR, many initiatives have been put in place to improve communication, education, and training. How will improved education surrounding AMR help to reduce its spread, and what more should policymakers be doing to help raise awareness? People need to be aware of and understand AMR and, more importantly, how it affects them before they can do something about it, and therefore education and raising awareness is the starting point.
There is a need for global epidemiological data to inform research and innovations in vaccines, medications, and easy-to-use, affordable diagnostics. During COVID-19, timely updates and sharing of critical data helped researchers tailor their research questions appropriately and guide interventions. The theme for this year is 'Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together'. With the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the importance of using a multisectoral approach when tackling emerging health threats, what is the importance of this message? Yes, the joint cross-sectoral theme agreed upon by Quadripartite for this year's WAAW is “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together”. It calls for cross-sectoral collaboration in the fight against AMR.
Start by visiting the WHO campaign website to get information and ideas on how to support the campaign: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-antimicrobial-awareness-week/2022. There are many ways to participate in and develop local activities, and our WAAW 2022 campaign guide offers ideas to increase AMR awareness . Contribute by disseminating these resources to your network. Reach out to your local AMR champion or coordinator and explore opportunities for contribution and collaboration.
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