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World Antimicrobial Resistance Week 2025 (18 – 24 November)

This week CTMUHB is marking World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW). Led by the World Health Organisation, WAAW is a worldwide campaign to increase the public’s understanding of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). 

What are antibiotics?  

Antibiotics are used to treat a range of infections caused by bacteria.  

However, they are becoming less effective because we are overusing them and, in some cases, not using them properly. Every time we take them, we give the bacteria a chance to fight back. 

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats we face. It happens when bacteria find a way to defeat the drugs designed to kill them.  

Globally, almost 5 million people die every year due to infections associated with antibiotic resistance. Unless we act now, routine treatments such as chemotherapy, organ transplants and joint replacements will no longer be possible because the antibiotics needed to make them safe will have stopped working.   

How can we keep antibiotics working?  

  • Only take antibiotics when told to by a healthcare professional and always take them exactly as prescribed 

  • Never share antibiotics with family, friends or pets 

  • Always return unused antibiotics to your local pharmacy – don’t throw them away.  

You can find out more about antimicrobial resistance here: https://phw.nhs.wales/services-and-teams/antibiotics-and-infections/antimicrobial-resistance-and-prescribing-surveillance-and-reports-2/  

18/11/2025