Introduction:
In line with the World Antibiotic Awareness Week 2021 during the period from 18-24 November of this year, the Health Facilities Infection Control General Department at the Ministry of Health (MOH), has launched expanded activities to raise awareness of the antimicrobial resistance at the international levels and to encourage health practitioners and officials to develop policies and to adopt the best practices to prevent the spread of drug-resistance infections. The activities are held at health facilities across the Kingdom.
The implementation of the infection control precaution is an effective way to prevent the spread of the antibiotic-resistance bacteria, by washing hands, limiting exposure to infected or potentially infected persons, personal hygiene and taking necessary vaccines based on age.
This year’s theme (Spread Awareness, Stop Resistance) calls upon health officials, policy makers, healthcare providers, and community in general to become heroes of antimicrobial resistance awareness.
Objectives:
- Improving awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance through effective communication, education, and training.
Facts:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi.
- Without effective antibiotics, the success of major surgery and cancer chemotherapy would be compromised.
- The cost of health care for patients with resistant infections is higher than care for patients with nonresistant infections due to longer duration of illness, additional tests, and use of more expensive drugs.
Official Week:
Globally: November 18th -24th, 2022
Locally: Rabiʽ al-Thani 24th -30th, 1444H
Slogan:
(Spread Awareness, Stop Resistance)
References:
- WHO
- MOH, World Health Days 2021