The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean has launched the World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) 2017, from 13 to 19 November 2017, in the Regional Office in Cairo. The theme was “Seek advice from a doctor before taking antibiotics” to advocate the proper use of antibiotics among the general public.
The WHO World Antibiotic Awareness Week is an annual global campaign to increase understanding and raise awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
During the 64th Session of WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean in October 2017, an AMR Resolution was endorsed highlighting the commitment of all countries in the region to support AMR global plan implementation.
Dr Rana Hajjeh, Director, Department of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control in the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, discussed antibiotic resistance and why we need to take action now.
During the event, a competition for the best media coverage on AMR in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region was launched to help further raise awareness of the issue.
Dr Ibrahim El-Kerdany moderated the event in both English and Arabic.