Health sector celebrates World Antimicrobial Awareness Week

Antimicrobial Awareness Week has been celebrated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) since 2015 as a global event aimed at better understanding the problem of antimicrobial resistance and encouraging the fight against the aggravation of the spread of antimicrobial resistance infection. It aims to raise awareness of the risks of antimicrobial resistance at global, regional, and local levels, and encourage the application of best practices among the public, policymakers, workers at the field of human and animal health as well as in other related sectors. This is in addition to helping to reduce incorrect consumption and maintaining the effectiveness of antibiotics for as long as possible, so that those who need them can get the best possible treatment.On this occasion, Chair of the National Antimicrobial Resistant Committee at MoPH and Head of Infectious Diseases at HMC Dr Abdul Latif al-Khal, said: Antibiotic resistance is an important global public health challenge and threatens our ability to treat infectious diseases. Without effective antimicrobials, the success of modern medicine in treating infections, including during major surgery and cancer chemotherapy, would be at increased risk.Dr al-Khal said, "The National Antimicrobial Resistant Committee is playing an effective role and leading in improving the practices of workers in the health sector and other related sectors in order to optimise the proper use of antimicrobials, raise awareness around the increasing of antimicrobial resistance, as well as take all actions necessary to achieve the related WHO's Sustainable Development Goals."Director of the Strategic Planning and Performance Department at MoPH Huda Amer al-Katheeri said: "Celebrating the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week highlights the importance of supporting efforts to increase the optimal use of antimicrobials at hospitals, healthcare settings and other sectors with appropriate medical supervision, noting that antimicrobial resistance makes it more difficult to treat common infections and accelerates the rate of infection, and may lead to death."Al-Katheeri added that addressing the phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance is a top priority for MoPH and an important part of its plans and strategies. The National Action Plan to combat antimicrobial resistance has been approved since 2018, and its terms are being implemented.Executive Director of Operations at PHCC Samya Ahmad al-Abdulla said: "The Infection Prevention and Drug Administration team at PHCC prepared activities for employees and patients in the health centers. Moreover, the Infection Control Team coordinated with the Public Relations and Institutional Communication Team in promoting this campaign in the community. Daily awareness lectures for health centre staff will also be organised during the week-long campaign with a focus on antibiotic resistance."Awareness materials are also provided to cover the event and distribute across the health sector and all other related sectors. In addition, there is an extensive social media campaign in support of efforts to promote awareness of antimicrobial resistance and its optimal use.Several landmarks in the country, including MoPH building, were also lit in blue, as a symbolic gesture in recognition of the efforts made to prevent antimicrobial resistance based on the recommendation of WHO.Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, or parasites change shape over time and do not respond to drugs, posing a threat to global health and development, which leads to the difficulty of treating these diseases, and its impact on the health and safety of the society and poses threat to global development.