World AMR Awareness Week 2023
Events
Sarah Wambui Chege washes her hands before attending to a newborn baby in Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, Nairobi
All times are in Geneva time/Central European Time (CET).
Pre-WAAW 2023 Events
13 November
3rd Annual Global Media Forum in lead up to World AMR Awareness Week 2023
13 November |11:30 – 13:15 CET| The Global AMR Media Alliance (GAMA) and CNS
Media representatives are welcomed to attend the 3rd Annual Global Media Forum in lead up to World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) 2023 to have a direct interface with senior experts from the quadripartite organizations that have united to address AMR - one of the top 10 threats to global health security.
The Media Forum is organised to sensitize and educate journalists on the key aspects of AMR and strategies in fighting AMR across human, animal, plant, and environmental health sectors. People from global media community, including those from news wires, print, electronic, online, bloggers, social media influencers, freelancers, among others, are welcome.
Simultaneous interpretation in French and Spanish languages will be available.
15 November
Food, Nutrition and Antimicrobial Resistance - Food as Medicine: Healing bodies, lands and communities.
15 November |16:00 - 18:00 CET| PAHO, ReAct Latin America & South Centre
Advancements in agricultural production have enabled the mass production of food, moving away from traditional methods and the rich tapestry of foods and flavors cherished by our ancestors. Furthermore, we must not downplay the environmental consequences resulting from extensive agricultural production and the application of agrochemicals, fertilizers, and antibiotics. Observing World Food Day provides a chance to champion local agrifood systems that encourage the cultivation of a wide array of nutritious and diverse foods, making them available to the entire community. This webinar aims to exchange knowledge and experiences related to the healthy production, distribution, preparation, and consumption of food in the region.
Register here: https://www.paho.org/en/events/upcoming-events-empowered-communities-initiative
16 November
Learning to care for antimicrobials in our community: education and communication to optimize the use of antimicrobials in the community from a One Health perspective.
16 November |16:00 - 18:00 CET| PAHO, ReAct Latin America & South Centre
Antibiotics are losing their effectiveness at an alarming rate due to their inappropriate and excessive use. This results in the emergence of resistant bacteria. Misusing these medicines without a proper understanding of their function poses a significant risk to individual health. Inadequate use of antibiotics increases resistance, making it challenging to treat infectious bacteria. This, in turn, elevates the risk of infection transmission and other health complications. The United Nations recognizes antibiotic resistance as one of the most urgent global health challenges. Therefore, education and communication strategies play a critical role in promoting the responsible use of antibiotics. This approach involves engaging the healthcare sector, schools, and communities to drive change in how we safeguard the health of the planet. The goal of this webinar is to exchange experiences, share valuable lessons, and explore innovative projects that raise awareness and provide insights on how to more effectively preserve antimicrobials within our communities.
Register here: https://www.paho.org/en/events/upcoming-events-empowered-communities-initiative
WAAW 2023 Events
18 November
AMR community exchange online dialogue on antimalarial drug resistance in Africa
18-24 November
You are invited to join in an online dialogue on antimalarial drug resistance in Africa during WAAW 18-24 November on the AMR Community Exchange - A space to connect, exchange and learn with a community of like-minded members: https://amrcommunityexchange.org/.
In Africa, home to over 90% of malaria cases, partial resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), the first-line treatment for malaria has recently emerged. Parasites have developed partial resistance to artemisinin in three countries and there are worrying signs that they may also be resistant to other drugs that are commonly partnered with artemisinin.
This dialogue will draw attention to antimalarial resistance as part of the AMR challenge, familiarize members with the WHO strategy to respond to antimalarial drug resistance in Africa and offer an opportunity to connect with key partners to discuss needs and opportunities for scaling up action on this challenge.
A video/podcast is available during the World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) 2023.
You can register on the AMR Community Exchange platform by clicking https://amrcommunityexchange.org. We look forward to learning from your expertise and experience.
20 November
Report on the Global Action Plan on HIV Drug Resistance 2017-2021 and perspectives for the future
20 November | 13:00 - 14:35 CET | Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programmes, WHO
In 2017, WHO published a five-year Global Action Plan (GAP) on HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) 2017-2021 to address the public health impact of drug-resistant HIV. The GAP on HIVDR 2017-2021 outlined a framework and interventions for countries and global stakeholders to prevent, monitor and respond to the emergence of drug-resistant HIV. The GAP timeframe concluded in 2021 and a Report on the GAP 2017-2021 has been published.
This webinar will review the impact of the GAP on HIVDR 2017-2021 and will present WHO’s plan to develop an integrated GAP linking drug resistance prevention, monitoring, and response activities at all levels for HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections.
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Multistakeholder Engagement in the Fight against AMR – Increasing Responsible & Equitable Access to Antimicrobials
20 November |14.00 - 15.00 CET | AMR Industry Alliance
This webinar will address the importance of action on access by public and private sector stakeholders and examine barriers and solutions to access across sectors and stakeholders. Panelists will discuss the need for action for equitable and responsible access and how to facilitate this action through multistakeholder partnerships and engagement. Panelists from the WHO, UN, GARDP, USAID, and the AMR Industry Alliance will discuss the importance of multistakeholder engagement on access and opportunities for private and public sector stakeholders to work together on actionable steps to improve access to antimicrobials and diagnostics.
Register here: https://counciladvisors.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QlS9TJebQPOlr3nohLAz2A#/registration
All Over the Map: Global AMR Surveillance and Pediatric Considerations
20 November | 15:00 -16:00 CET | Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
During this webinar, a speaker from CDC Africa will share the work of CDC Africa and Africa Union on Mapping Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Use Partnership (MAAP) Country Reports with a focus on AMR and a general high-level overview of approach and findings. The session will also discuss the impact of AMR in the clinical setting with a focus on the Neonatal population. Finally, a speaker from WHO will discuss Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) and touch on pediatric subpopulations.
Register here: https://societycentral.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0vc-ysrDgrEtOvkq47igCEgiiXaQYfGRE0
21 November
A Dialogue with Future Champions: The power of Young People in the Fight against AMR in the Western Pacific Region
21 November |5:00 am – 6:30 am CET| WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific
This year, as part of the WAAW campaign, the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific will host the dialogue, “The Power of Young People in the Fight Against AMR.” Youth leaders, Miss Earth, innovators and WHO representatives, will share how they have partnered together to raise awareness, change behaviours and create a supportive environment for combatting AMR at the national and regional level.
During the past year, a series of AMR Innovation Hackathons were launched in Cambodia and Singapore to develop ideas for AMR campaigns based on country context and evidence using the Communication for Health (C4H) approach. At present, the winning ideas are being developed into real campaign in partnership with professional communication groups in both countries. Students from the winning team and Miss Earth will share their experiences and ideas during the dialogue so that more young people can be empowered to contribute to this important topic.
Register here: https://wpro-who.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lxb5Fw0pR_u5-cnjiRXiig#/registration
Rejuvenating the global antibiotic innovation ecosystem: The way forward
21 November |13:00 – 14:30 CET| Centre for Science and Environment
In addition to the need to conserve existing antibiotics, it is critical to develop new antibiotics which address the current and future unmet need and are affordable and accessible to everyone as well. But the existing antibiotic pipeline is weak and holds limited promise for future treatment options. Major pharma companies have left the new antibiotic R&D space. Reforms to rejuvenate the global antibiotic innovation ecosystem are the need of the hour. Would it also help to consider antibiotics as a global public good? It is time to discuss the way forward.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_541uuHFWQ0-x_4ivUX0VdQ#/registration
The Importance of Diagnostics in the Fight against AMR – Improving Stewardship & Appropriate Use
21 November |14.00 - 15.00 CET | AMR Industry Alliance
This webinar will address the key role of diagnostics in appropriate use and stewardship, as well as the importance of public and private sector collaboration in the fight against AMR. Panelists from the public and private sectors will discuss the importance of diagnostics in the context of stewardship and National Action Plans on AMR. The 2023 winner of the AMR Industry Alliance Stewardship Prize will also be announced.
Register here: https://counciladvisors.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9paXhdXuTcKADb0nCzB4NA
Securing our future from AMR: Global Youth Dialogue on AMR with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados, Chair of the Global Leaders Group on AMR
21 November |15:00 - 16:00 CET | The Global Leaders Group on AMR
Hosted by H.E. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados and chair of The Global Leaders Group (GLG) on AMR with introduction by Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, the event provides an opportunity to share perspectives on global AMR advocacy, link AMR with the climate crisis and grow partnerships for the future. Youth are central in achieving a healthier future and a more sustainable and healthier planet. The GLG collaborates globally with governments, agencies, civil society and the private sector for global action to address the urgent crisis of AMR through a One Health approach and has identified key areas relevant for the Political Declaration on AMR in UNGA 2024. Since its inaugural meeting in January 2021, the GLG has identified youth as part of the necessary advocacy to intensify political and popular support for efforts to tackle AMR across sectors and to popularize AMR as a social concern.
The voice of AMR survivors in awareness and advocacy
21 November |16:00 - 17:30 CET | WHO Taskforce of AMR survivors
The invaluable role that patients can play in educating the public about their illnesses is increasingly recognized and appreciated within various public health programs. Patients are now viewed as experts in their own health and disease conditions and sharing personal AMR experiences and stories can be a compelling means to connect with the public and make Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) more accessible and relatable. Patient narratives serve to humanize this complex, technical health and development challenge.
AMR survivors and their caregivers have unique stories and testimonies that can resonate with a broad audience and play a pivotal role in raising awareness and advocating for AMR. The WHO Taskforce of AMR Survivors is hosting this inaugural webinar to bring together AMR survivors for a discussion and sharing of experiences and perspectives on the vital role that survivors' accounts can play in enhancing and expanding AMR awareness-raising and advocacy activities. Furthermore, the webinar will explore strategies to leverage patient experiences and survivor stories to advance global policy priorities in the fight against AMR.
Tackling AMR in hospital settings
21 November | 7:45 – 23:00 CET | Global Alliance for Infections in Surgery
This full day global webinar organized by the Global Alliance for Infections in Surgery gives people from all over the world the opportunity to connect. It aims to increase awareness of AMR and to encourage a comprehensive approach to infections in hospital settings. Over the course of the webinar meeting, speakers from all around the world will debate the main aspects of AMR and the prevention and management of infections in hospital settings.
Register here: https://infectionsinsurgery.org/free-infections-in-surgery-global-webinar/
22 November
Awareness of hepatitis C drug resistance as access to hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment expands
22 November |13:00 – 14:30 CET| Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programmes, WHO
As diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C expand to achieve global hepatitis elimination goals, we have a unique opportunity to optimise hepatitis C treatment through maximising population-level outcomes and to prevent and respond to possible emergence of drug-resistant hepatitis C. This webinar will present an overview of current knowledge on hepatitis C drug resistance in low- and middle-income countries and present WHO’s evolving plan to prevent, monitor and respond to possible hepatitis C drug resistance through the implementation of an integrated Global Action Plan linking drug resistance for viral hepatitis, HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
The webinar will advocate for a comprehensive response to hepatitis C drug resistance. The current knowledge, research gaps and public health implications of hepatitis C drug resistance in resource limited settings will be reviewed. Finally, the WHO’s evolving plan to develop an integrated GAP linking drug resistance prevention, monitoring, and response activities at all levels for HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections will be presented.
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WHO Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Global Webinar: Special webinar series on the WHO Global Strategy on IPC #3
22 November | 14.00-15.30 CET |IPC integration & coordination and collaboration & stakeholders' support
The Global Strategy on Infection Prevention and Control (GSIPC) represents a turning point in the history of IPC with a clear vision and objectives to protect those accessing and providing care from associated infections by 2030. It also provides Member States with eight strategic directions (SD) to achieve measurable improvements and to substantially reduce the ongoing risk of health care-associated infections including those prone to epidemics and pandemics and those exhibiting antimicrobial resistance.
The IPC Hub & Task Force Unit at WHO headquarters is organizing a special series of webinars to discuss the GSIPC key elements and implementation. In the first session of this four-part series, a panel of IPC specialists from global, national and facility levels will discuss how Strategic Direction “IPC integration & coordination” (SD3) and “Collaboration & stakeholders' support" (SD8) have impacted and will further impact their work, staff and the communities they serve, as well as the challenges and opportunities to be gained.
The objectives of the webinar are to provide a brief overview of the GSIPC; to understand GSIPC SD 3: “IPC integration & coordination” and SD 8: “Collaboration and stakeholders' support" and to share views and experiences of IPC panelists to address data for action. The webinar will be held in English, with simultaneous interpretation available in: Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish and Russian
Register here: https://who.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-vhHqGQYSPWzUiT0r33YwQ#/registration
The critical role of responsible manufacturing in addressing AMR: A path forward
22 November |15:00 – 16:00 CET| Access to Medicine Foundation
This live webinar will be a forum to discuss how we can move forward in ensuring pharmaceutical companies manufacture responsibly to limit the risk of AMR. The live webinar builds on examples from a new report published by the Access to Medicine Foundation in August 2023 that sets out the clear steps pharmaceutical companies can take to limit AMR risk by manufacturing responsibly. The webinar will touch upon the major changes needed to improve the landscape, as well as the roles that different stakeholders have to play, including companies, regulators, procurers and investors.
Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/d7d5f6ac-3b2f-4263-b5ac-2c17b7a0c461@5b950350-3fe3-4236-bee2-173d1db2a6a4
Bridging the AMR Research – Policy Divide
22 November | 16:00 - 17:00 CET | AMR Policy Accelerator at the Global Strategy Lab
Each year millions of people are killed or injured by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its impact is not limited to human health. AMR poses a significant threat to progress on most of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a formidable global health and development challenge making collaboration between researchers and policymakers not only beneficial–but essential. Join our panel including Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Professor Clare Chandler of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Dr. Susan Rogers Van Katwyk of the AMR Policy Accelerator and Dr. Zubin Shroff of the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, WHO for a 1-hour webinar exploring the challenges and opportunities for evidence-informed AMR policymaking.
Register here: https://amrpolicy.org/events/webinar-bridging-the-amr-research-policy-divide/
23 November
Harmonizing approaches to address antimicrobial resistance across TB, HIV, malaria, sexually transmitted infections and NTD programmes
23 November |11:30 – 13:00 CET| WHO Universal Health Coverage, communicable and noncommunicable disease division
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major challenge for TB, HIV, malaria, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and has the potential to adversely affect neglected tropical (NTD) disease programmes. AMR makes treating these diseases more difficult and expensive and may put at risk the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal target 3.3 to ‘end the epidemics.’ Programmes to address AMR in these disease areas often focus on individual diseases. There is a need to develop more comprehensive coordinated and harmonized approaches to prevent, control and mitigate AMR across all disease areas. This webinar will provide an overview of the current AMR status and highlight opportunities to address AMR more holistically across the health system.
Register here: https://who.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hsfhGtHvSfifm8OpziCfWg
Rising Threats: Confronting AMR and STIs in 2023
23 November |13:00 – 14:30 CET | Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programmes, WHO
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are particularly concerned about AMR because of the widespread resistance to most medicines used to treat Neisseria gonorrhoeae in many parts of the world. Other STI pathogens with potential AMR include Mycoplasma genitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis.
The department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes at WHO will participate in the global annual awareness campaign to raise global awareness and understanding on AMR, an important example of One Health collaboration. This year, the departments of AMR and HIV/STIs will organize a joint webinar to launch and discuss 2 WHO Technical products, that are under the Enhanced Gonococcal AMR Surveillance Programme (EGASP) umbrella. It will also be a great opportunity to bring experts, country experience, surveillance data, diagnostics and therapeutics interventions in the pipeline together in one webinar.
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Barriers and solutions in combating AMR in Pediatrics: country and regional perspectives
23 November | 17:00 – 18:00 CET | International Pediatric Association (IPA)
This webinar organized by the International Pediatric Association brings together panelists of pediatricians or pediatric ID experts from 4 different continents of Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa to speak about the barriers in combating AMR in their respective region/continent. The WHO expert will discuss about the solutions, WHO's role and way forward.
Register here: https://ipa-world.org/webinar-module/signup.php
Global AMR Youth Summit 2023 - AMR Warriors: Uniting Youth for a Resilient Future
23-25 November |10:00 – 17:00 CET| World Health Students’ Alliance
The Global AMR Youth Summit is organized by the World Health Students’ Alliance (WHSA) including International Association of Dental Students (IADS), International Federation of Medical Students’ Association (IFMSA), International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) and International Veterinary Students’ Association (IVSA). The summit aims to highlight the importance of interprofessional collaboration and education to bring young healthcare students and youth to the forefront of AMR advocacy and solutions; raise awareness about the urgent need to address AMR in children and adults, identify ways to promote research, awareness campaigns, policy, and advocacy initiatives to combat this global threat; as well as identify opportunities and key messages for AMR policy and advocacy on the way to the UNGA HLM on AMR 2024.
The 2023 summit running theme is: “AMR Warriors: Uniting Youth for a Resilient Future"
Register here: https://shorturl.at/alNWY
24 November
Virtual side event to the Global AMR Youth Summit:
Why do youth voices matter when fighting antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?
24 November |09:00 – 10:00 CET| Quadripartite Working Group on Youth Engagement for AMR
The Quadripartite Working Group on Youth Engagement for AMR is organizing a virtual side-event to the Global AMR Youth Summit. The side event will have speakers representing the working group and the quadripartite organizations; and will discuss the role of youth-led and youth-serving organizations in global advocacy efforts around AMR. The side event will also outline ways in which young people and their organizations can contribute to the agenda of the upcoming UN General Assembly High level Meeting on AMR. Since its a side event, no separate registration is required other than for the Global AMR Youth Summit. The proceedings will be in English, and this interactive side event is open for everyone.