World Antimicrobial Awareness Week Recognized November 18-24

The world recognizes World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) November 18-24 with the theme “Spread Awareness, Stop Resistance.” Antimicrobials include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics.

According to the World Health Organization, antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that cause diseases stop responding to medicines. It makes infections harder to treat, increasing the risk of severe illness and even death. The correct use of antimicrobial drugs helps preserve the effectiveness of vital medical treatments.

A multi-disciplinary team from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) and AMPATH partners planned a series of awareness and educational activities including patient education sessions, virtual continuing medical education sessions in different departments throughout MTRH, social media messaging and media interviews to encourage the correct use of antimicrobials. The WAAW activities are part of an antimicrobial resistance effort supported through a grant from The Pfizer Foundation.

The week’s events kicked off with a launch on November 18 in coordination with the One Health Club members from Moi University. The One Health Club includes students from different academic backgrounds advocating for a one health approach (interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental factors) in solving public health issues. Members of the group created a video and performed a skit in support of antimicrobial awareness.

Dr. Benson Njuguna and Dr. Dennis Thirikwa will present a hospital wide continuing medical education  Zoom session on World Antimicrobial Awareness Week on November 24 at 8:30 am (Kenya time).

“Everyone can help prevent antimicrobial resistance by taking antibiotics and other antimicrobials only when prescribed, completing the full treatment regimen as prescribed and preventing infections through proper health and hygiene habits,” said Dr. Charles Kwobah, principal investigator for the antimicrobial resistance grant.