World AMR Awareness Week 2023

World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) is a global campaign observed annually from November 18 to 24, to improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promote the importance of antimicrobial stewardship. WAAW encourages best practices among the general public, health professionals, and policy makers to avoid the further emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections.

AMR is a growing public health threat, caused by the unnecessary use and misuse of antibiotics and other antimicrobials. Globally, an estimated 1.27 million annual deaths are attributable to AMR. By 2050 rates of AMR are expected to rise from 26% to 40% in Canada, resulting in a loss of 396,000 lives.

PHO supports the research and ongoing development of resources to implement and sustain antimicrobial stewardship across all health care sectors. The following tools and resources can help you incorporate antimicrobial stewardship into your practice:

• NEW - At a Glance: Opportunities in Public Health to Improve Antibiotic Use in Ontario, and complementary infographic with data on antibiotic use stratified by public health unit.
• Register for our upcoming PHO Rounds on November 21 from 12 to 1 p.m. to learn more about using communication strategies to advance antimicrobial stewardship.
• Check out PHO’s Antimicrobial Stewardship page for tools, interventions and activities that can improve antimicrobial use across a variety of settings.

You can help combat AMR and raise awareness of this growing threat! Other ways to get involved, make an impact and join the conversation:

PHO’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Advisory Committee (ASAC) is seeking new committee members. ASAC advises PHO on provincial goals, objectives and targets for antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) development and implementation based on stakeholder needs, priorities and resources. Learn more.

GO Blue for AMR! As part of the World Health Organization’s WAAW global colour campaign on Friday November 24, the CN Tower in Toronto will be illuminated in light blue light to increase visibility of AMR. Visit the CN Tower, or other landmarks illuminated in light blue and share photos on social media using the hashtags #WAAW and #WorldAMRAwarenessWeek.