Introduction:
This year's theme of the World Antibiotic Week focuses on the importance of seeking advice from qualified healthcare professionals before taking antibiotics. Antibiotics are a precious treatment, so it should not be used randomly to prevent the so-called antibiotic resistance. It is a worldwide problem which has undermined effective treatment of infectious diseases. Antibiotics resistance occurs naturally, but using them randomly speeds up the problem, making it a high priority issue for WHO.
Facts:
- Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health.
- Antibiotics are in danger of losing their effectiveness due to misuse and overdose.
- Bacteria, not humans or animals, become antibiotic-resistant.
- Antibiotics do not fight viral infections such as colds and flu.
- Antibiotics do not cure all diseases.
- Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them speeds up antibiotic resistance.
- Antibiotic resistant infections are more complex and harder to treat. They can affect anyone, of any age, in any country.
- A growing number of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis are becoming harder to treat as the antibiotics used to treat them become less effective.
- Personal hygiene is the first line of defense against infectious diseases caused by bacteria. It is better to prevent them rather than try to cure them with antibiotics.
- Without proper action, we are heading for a post-antibiotic era, in which minor infections can once again kill.
Objectives:
- Make antibiotic resistance a globally recognized health issue.
- Raise awareness of the importance of using the antibiotics in a proper way.
- Highlight the importance of seeking advice from a healthcare professional before taking antibiotics, and do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else.
- Highlight the role of individuals, health experts and governments in tackling antibiotic resistance.
- Encourage behavior change, as simple actions can make a big difference.
Official Date:
- Globally: November 13th-19th, 2017.
- Locally: Safar 25th - Rabī al-ʾAwwal 2nd, 1439H.
Theme of World Antibiotic Awareness Week
Think Twice, Seek Advice
Target Groups:
- Health professionals including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and health educators.
- Education professionals including teachers, social workers and others.
- School students.
- Health decision-makers.
- Health organizations and associations.
- The public.
Related link
http://www.who.int
