World Antibiotic Awareness Week 2017

2017-12-27

13-19 November 2017

Antibiotic Awareness Day 2017

Seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before taking antibiotics

The third World Antibiotic Awareness Week initiated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) will take place from 13–19 November 2017. It aims to increase awareness of global antibiotic resistance (AMR) and to encourage best practices among the general public, health workers and policy makers to avoid the further emergence and spread of AMR.

The year’s theme: Seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before taking antibiotics. Antibiotics are a precious resource, so it is important to get the right advice before taking them. This not only ensures you and your family get the best treatment, responsible use of antibiotics will also help reduce the threat of AMR.

In July 2017, by adopting a ‘One Health’ approach, the Hong Kong Strategy and Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2017-2022) was launched. It outlines key areas, objectives and actions to contain the growing threat of AMR in Hong Kong. One of its key areas is to optimise the use of antibiotics through implementation of antibiotic stewardship programme (ASP). In this year’s occasion, ASP in primary care and the fifth edition of Interhospital Multi-disciplinary Programme on Antimicrobial ChemoTherapy (IMPACT) will be rolled out. While healthcare professionals advising patients on the use and choice of antibiotics with reference to evidence-based guidelines, patients should also strictly adhere to their instructions.

Act now to preserve the power of antibiotics! Show your commitment and support on responsible use of antibiotics by signing the “I Pledge” certificate.