Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines become ineffective and infections become increasingly difficult or impossible to treat. Researchers estimated that AMR in bacteria caused an estimated 1.27 million deaths in 2019.
AMR is a threat to humans, animals, plants and the environment, and it affects us all. Fighting AMR is a truly global endeavour that needs local actions, and must be addressed through a One Health approach. To curb it effectively, all sectors must join forces and encourage the prudent use of antimicrobials, as well as preventive measures.
Celebrated every year on 18 to 24 November, World Antimicrobial 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 pathogens. Learn more about the WAAW 2022 campaign.
The media has a critical role to play in providing accurate and relevant information that will urge target populations and the general public to act against the risks and socioeconomic impacts of AMR.
About the media workshop
The World Health Organization Philippines, in partnership with the Department of Health and the Philippine Interagency Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance, is accepting applications to participate in the WHO Media Workshop on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) on 14 November 2022.
The workshop is a one-day, face-to-face workshop with practical sessions on understanding global issues on AMR, opportunities and challenges in addressing AMR in the Philippines, misconception and misinformation around AMR, and telling patient stories.
The workshop will allow participants to:
Know the consequences of antimicrobial resistance to people’s health and economy
Understand the role of the media in the development and implementation of policies concerning AMR
Have access to technical experts on animal, human, and environmental health as sources for stories
Produce stories and reports on AMR in different media platforms
Who can apply?
News editors, correspondents and reporters covering health and science
Journalists with at least 3 years of experience
Journalists who are based in Metro Manila
Journalists who are proficient in producing contents both in English and Filipino
Application deadline: 3 November 2022
Application requirements:
An updated Curriculum Vitae
A letter of intent to participate in the media workshop
At least three links to published stories on any health and/or science topics in print, broadcast, or online media; outputs in the Filipino language are desirable
Kindly address applications to:
Dr Graham Harrison
Officer-in-Charge, WHO Representative to the Philippines
Ground Floor, Building 3, Department of Health, San Lazaro Compound
Rizal Avenue, Sta Cruz, Manila
Please submit electronic copies of the application requirements with the title: WHO Media Workshop on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) 2022 Application to wpphlwr@who.int, copying whophilippinesco@gmail.com.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by WHO Philippines.
As stated in the Data Privacy Act (RA 10173), the information you provide in this questionnaire will be collected and processed for the purposes of this project. All information you provide, including personal data, will remain confidential.