Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global health, and this issue is being increasingly emphasized in the country. The National Antimicrobial Resistance Committee has been hosting World AMR Awareness Week since 2015, which focuses on raising awareness about this growing concern.
This year’s World AMR Awareness Week began on November 18 and will continue until November 24. The week highlights the necessity of awareness, good hygiene practices, and vaccinations, drawing on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the launch of AMR Week in Labasa, Dr. Luisa Cikamatana, the Chief Medical Advisor of the Health Ministry, underscored that AMR threatens the advancements in modern medicine and poses a risk to lives today. She elaborated on Fiji’s proactive stance regarding AMR through the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, which is currently in its second edition. This plan outlines essential goals and promotes collaboration across various health sectors.
Dr. Cikamatana urged the public to heed the advice of healthcare professionals regarding antibiotic usage, refrain from sharing prescriptions, and avoid unnecessarily requesting antibiotics. She emphasized the need for collective action across all sectors—human, animal, and environmental health—to combat AMR and safeguard both local and global health.
Through education, advocacy, and concerted action, Fiji can aspire to a healthier future for all individuals.
In a world facing multiple health challenges, the proactive measures taken in Fiji reflect a commitment to tackling AMR. By engaging communities and promoting responsible health practices, there is hope for reducing the impact of antimicrobial resistance, ensuring that progress in healthcare continues, and lives are protected.
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