Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) may develop when microorganisms grow in the presence of antimicrobials and produce genetic changes. Resistant microorganisms can be transmitted between animals and humans, and is accelerated by misuse and overuse of antimicrobials.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that AMR is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. To combat AMR, actions taken by the healthcare sector alone are not enough and concerted efforts from the public are crucial. “One Health”, an integrated, unifying approach that aims to achieve optimal and sustainable health outcomes for people, animals, and ecosystems, has been advocated by the WHO to ensure that all stakeholders and all sectors are working with concerted effort.

The Infection Control Branch of the Centre for Health Protection has been echoing the call from the WHO to launch “Antimicrobial Awareness Week” from 18 to 24 November annually to raise public awareness on the problem of AMR and promote proper use of antibiotics. The slogan for this year is "Contribute Together to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance!", highlighting the messages on everyone has a role in combating AMR and to solicit people from different sectors in the community to join hand to minimise the development and spread of AMR.

Moreover, the Government has launched the “Hong Kong Strategy and Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2023-2027)” to outline a list of objectives, activities and targets that the Government is planning to pursue to combat the threat of AMR in Hong Kong during the period between 2023 and 2027.

For more details on AMR, please refer to the AMR thematic webpage.