Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasingly recognized as a significant threat to global health, a situation that is gaining attention in various countries, including Fiji. To raise awareness and promote action against AMR, the National Antimicrobial Resistance Committee has been organizing World AMR Awareness Week since 2015.
This year’s observance began on November 18 and will run until November 24. The campaign underscores the importance of awareness, effective hygiene practices, and vaccinations, drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Luisa Cikamatana, Chief Medical Advisor of the Health Ministry, officially launched AMR Week in Labasa. She highlighted that antimicrobial resistance is not just an academic issue; it poses a real danger to advancements in modern medicine and threatens lives in the present day.
Fiji has implemented a proactive approach through its National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, which is currently in its second edition. This plan sets forth key objectives and encourages collaboration among various health sectors to combat AMR effectively.
Dr. Cikamatana has called on the public to heed the advice of healthcare professionals regarding antibiotic usage, to refrain from sharing prescriptions, and to avoid unnecessarily requesting antibiotics. She emphasized the need for unified efforts across human, animal, and environmental health sectors in the fight against AMR, advocating for collective action to safeguard both local and global health.
Through education, advocacy, and collaborative efforts, Fiji aims to play a crucial role in promoting a healthier future for all.
This initiative not only highlights the gravity of AMR, but it also encourages active participation from the community in addressing this pressing health challenge. It serves as a reminder that awareness and responsible practices can significantly mitigate the impact of antimicrobial resistance.
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