A week dedicated to tackling the growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance kicks off from 18-24 November.
This year’s World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) aims to increase awareness of global antimicrobial resistance and to encourage best practices for using antimicrobials responsibly to avoid the further outbreak and spread of drug-resistant infections.
Healthcare professionals are being encouraged to continue to work together to prevent serious infections, including COVID-19, whilst reducing inappropriate use of antibiotics. Healthcare professionals are advised to follow current NICE guidelines and local antimicrobial stewardship strategies to avoid inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and to encourage the appropriate use of antimicrobials among the general public.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has a dedicated campaign site with several educational and promotional materials to support WAAW.
Pharmacy teams have an important role in the management of viral infections, supporting patients with self-care to prevent future infections and providing patients with relevant information when dispensing prescriptions for antibiotics.
For further information and resources go to: www.npa.co.uk/information-and-guidance/world-antimicrobial-awareness-week-18-24-november-2021/