TEHRAN – The Ministry of Health is implementing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Week from November 18 to 24 with the global theme “Act now: protect our present, protect our future”.
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial agents. The week is a global campaign to raise awareness and understanding of AMR and encourage global action to tackle the emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogens.
This year’s theme, ‘Act now: protect our present, protect our future’, highlights the urgent need to take bold and united action to tackle AMR.
AMR is one of the top 10 public health threats worldwide. This threat targets people of all ages and geographic regions, especially disadvantaged areas. Without effective countermeasures, AMR is expected to become one of the world’s leading causes of death by 2050, killing 10 million people a year, the Ministry of Health’s website quoted Health Minister Mohammad Reza Zafarkandi as saying.
He made the remarks in a message coinciding with AMR Week.
Misuse or overuse of antibiotics is a major factor in the development of AMR. Despite taking steps to reduce the prevalence of antibiotic consumption, the country has been less successful than other countries, officials noted.
To tackle AMR, “we will strive to promote the responsible and optimal use of antibiotics as one of our top priorities,” Zafarkandi added.
The official went on to say that a One Health approach is critical to combating AMR. Zafarkandi called on water resources management companies, the Ministry of the Environment and national veterinary bodies to cooperate with the Ministry of Health by increasing employee awareness, improving standards and establishing antimicrobial resistance monitoring systems to curb AMR.
The Ministry of Health has designated a specific theme for each day of the week, ISNA reported.
Tuesday, November 18, “Public Responsibility, Community Engagement with an Integrated Approach to Maintaining Antibiotic Effectiveness.”
Wednesday, November 19th “Training, awareness and cultural development to maintain antimicrobial effectiveness”
November 20th (Thursday) “Media’s mission to maintain the effectiveness of antibacterial drugs”
November 21st (Friday) “Research and technology to sustain the effects of antibacterial drugs”
Saturday, November 22nd “Responsible medical service provision and management of antibiotic intake to maintain the effectiveness of antibiotics”
Sunday, November 23rd “Responsible consumption by veterinarians to maintain the effectiveness of antimicrobials”
Monday, November 24th “Environment and waste management to maintain the effectiveness of antimicrobials”
World AMR Awareness Week
As one of the official campaigns of the World Health Organization (WHO), World AMR Awareness Week is mandated by the World Health Assembly and is commemorated from 18 to 24 November each year.
AMR is already having negative impacts on health, food systems, the environment, and the economy. That’s not a problem for the future. That’s happening now. Drug-resistant infections are on the rise, but awareness, investment and action remain inadequate.
Drug resistance results in antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents becoming ineffective, making infections difficult or impossible to treat, and increasing the risk of spread of disease, severe illness, and death.
According to WHO, this call to action urges all stakeholders, including governments, civil society, health workers, veterinarians, farmers, environmentalists and the general public, to translate political commitments into concrete and responsible life-saving interventions.
To “protect our present and protect our future” we must prioritize long-term investments and strategic actions in the areas of human, animal and environmental health. Strengthening surveillance, ensuring equitable access to high-quality medicines and diagnostics, fostering innovation, and building resilient systems all require long-term commitment and resources.
Investing in AMR protection is a smart move toward a safer, healthier future. Whether it’s a hospital administrator setting up an antimicrobial stewardship team or a farmer adopting sustainable waste management practices, every action counts.
Regardless of the role, we share responsibilities such as developing policy, providing care, protecting ecosystems, and raising awareness. Together we can keep antibiotics effective and build a healthier, more sustainable world for future generations.
MT/MG