CDC and ICT Collaborate: Join the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance Together

Fighting AMR Takes All of Us

US Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) occurs from November 18 to November 24, 2024. This week focuses on the proper use of antibiotics and antifungals. It highlights the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The CDC’s theme for this year is “Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance Takes All of Us.” This theme promotes a One Health approach. It acknowledges the connections between human, animal, plant, and environmental health. AMR is a global health crisis that causes over 1.27 million deaths each year, including nearly 48,000 in the U.S. Infections must be prevented, and responsible antibiotic and antifungal use is vital to slow down resistance.

The key goals of USAAW include raising awareness about AMR and its impact. AMR occurs when pathogens such as bacteria and fungi become immune to the drugs meant to kill them. These resistant infections can be hard or impossible to treat. AMR threatens everyone, regardless of age or location. Each year, AMR is believed to kill more than 1 million people globally, surpassing deaths from HIV/AIDS and malaria.

To combat AMR, we must prevent infections. Access to clean water, sanitation, vaccinations, and healthcare are essential. Everyone can help improve antibiotic and antifungal use and spread awareness about AMR.

The CDC participates in global efforts to address AMR. This includes a recent United Nations General Assembly meeting, where leaders pledged to lower deaths from bacterial AMR by 10% by 2030. Effective prevention strategies include vaccinations, early pathogen detection, infection control, and improved sanitation practices.

The One Health approach is crucial in fighting AMR. It connects human, animal, and environmental health. AMR spreads through communities, food supplies, and ecosystems. The CDC collaborates with experts in various fields to monitor and control public health threats.

Individuals and communities play a role in fighting AMR. Here are practical steps to promote responsible antibiotic use:

• Consult healthcare providers for the best treatment for illnesses.
• Take antibiotics and antifungals as prescribed. Do not share or save medications.
• Stay current on recommended vaccines to prevent infections.
• Maintain hand hygiene to reduce the spread of germs. Use soap and water or hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol.
• Keep wounds clean and covered until healed.
• Cover coughs and sneezes to limit respiratory infections.
• Safely prepare food to avoid illnesses.
• Practice safer sex to prevent sexually transmitted infections.

Collective action can help reduce AMR. As public landmarks light up in purple for awareness, the media and public engagement are vital. Awareness efforts drive understanding and inspire action against AMR. Each year, numerous organizations participate in USAAW through events, light displays, and distributed materials.

The CDC urges everyone to get involved. The fight against AMR requires all of us, united through the One Health approach, to promote responsible antibiotic use and safeguard public health.