World Antimicrobial Awareness Week

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World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW)

Supporting the safe and effective use of antibiotics

This practice is proud to be supporting World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), an annual global campaign led by the World Health Organization to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the importance of using antibiotics responsibly.

Antibiotics are vital medicines used to treat bacterial infections, but they do not work for viral illnesses such as colds, flu, sore throats, or most coughs. Using antibiotics when they are not needed can cause bacteria to become resistant, meaning infections may become harder to treat in the future.

During World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, our team is:

  • Promoting awareness of when antibiotics are — and are not — appropriate
  • Supporting patients with self-care advice for common viral illnesses
  • Reinforcing national prescribing guidance to ensure antibiotics remain effective when truly needed
  • Working to protect patients now and in the future from the risks of antibiotic resistance

What can patients do?

You can help by:

  • Trusting your clinician’s advice if antibiotics are not prescribed
  • Completing any antibiotic course exactly as prescribed
  • Never sharing antibiotics or using leftover medication
  • Using self-care measures for minor illnesses where appropriate

By working together, we can help ensure antibiotics continue to save lives for generations to come.

For more information about antimicrobial resistance and WAAW, please speak to a member of the practice team or visit the NHS website.