It is estimated that about seven lakh people die every year globally due to antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. The resistance of disease-causing microorganisms towards antimicrobial drugs is called antimicrobial resistance, which is considered as a silent pandemic. In 2019, 4.95 million people died due to antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) now accounts for more deaths than those occurring due to HIV or malarial infections.

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week is observed every year from 18th to 24th of November to create public awareness and behavioural change about antimicrobial resistance. Absolute antibiotic literacy among the general public is targeted to be achieved by 2023. It is essential to create awareness among the general public that antibiotics should only be taken with a doctor's prescription for a prescribed duration. It should not be shared with others, nor should be thrown away in public places or water bodies which will contribute to antimicrobial resistance otherwise.

As per the instructions of the Government of Kerala, the Department of Indian Systems of Medicine along with various departments like Health, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry are actively working hand-in-hand to achieve this goal. This year, World Antimicrobial Awareness Week aims to educate the public about the unnecessary use of antibiotics, which cause antimicrobial resistance, the dangers of over-the-counter antibiotic use, and to educate them about the phenomenon of antibiotic/antimicrobial drug resistance.

Department of Indian Systems of Medicine provide awareness among officials and workers of various government institutions, local self-government bodies, dairy farmers, fish farmers, Kudumbashree workers, residence association, Anganwadi – ASHA workers, school children, newborn care takers etc. through effective communication, education and training. It also intended to promote research in this area in collaboration with other departments. Through Antibiotic Awareness Week campaign, the general public can be educated to resort to the use of antibiotics in emergency or unavoidable conditions as life-saving drugs and to adopt other systems of medicine in infectious conditions.

Upholding the slogan “Prevention is better than cure” we can adopt the scientific principles of Ayurveda to prevent infection and to promote a healthy lifestyle. Spread this message as a part of the campaign.