Zimbabwe To Host Continental 2023 Antimicrobial Resistance Week Commemorations

By Wallace Mawire Zimbabwe is set to host the African continent’s 2023 Antimicrobial Resistance Week commemorations to be held between the 18  to 24 November,2023 as part of the 2023 World Antimicrobial Resistance Week (WAAW) commemorations, according to a close source. The focal point  involved in the coordination of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) activities in the country confirmed that they are expecting to host a range of high level officials and delegates from all over Africa, Europe and the Americas during the week. The contact also said that delegates will include representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO),Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH),the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial agents. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. The World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) is a global campaign to raise awareness and understanding of AMR and promote best practices among One Health stakeholders to reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections. WAAW is celebrated from 18 to 24 November every year. The theme for WAAW 2023 will remain "Preventing antimicrobial resistance together", as in 2022. AMR is a threat to humans, animals, plants and the environment. It affects us all. That is why this year's theme calls for cross-sectoral collaboration to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials. To effectively reduce AMR, all sectors must use antimicrobials prudently and appropriately, take preventive measures to decrease the incidence of infections and follow good practices in disposal of antimicrobial contaminated waste.