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World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week
18 to 24 November 2026
World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) takes place from 18 to 24 November each year. The 2026 theme is "One Health, One Action: Prevent AMR Now". The campaign aims to improve awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and encourage everyone to use antibiotics responsibly.
What is antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to medicines that previously worked against them. As a result, infections become harder to treat, increasing the risk of serious illness, longer recovery times and complications.
Why does it matter?
Antibiotics are one of the most important medicines in modern healthcare. They are essential for treating serious bacterial infections and help make many medical procedures possible, including surgery, cancer treatments and organ transplants.
The overuse and misuse of antibiotics can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, making infections more difficult to treat in the future.
What can you do?
You can help tackle antimicrobial resistance by:
- Taking antibiotics exactly as prescribed.
- Not requesting antibiotics for colds, flu or most coughs, as these are usually caused by viruses.
- Never sharing antibiotics with others.
- Returning unused antibiotics to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
- Keeping vaccinations up to date.
- Practising good hand hygiene to help prevent infections.
Remember
Antibiotics do not work against viral infections such as colds, flu, most sore throats and many coughs. Rest, fluids and self-care are often the best treatment for these illnesses.
Published: Nov 5, 2026
Providing NHS Services
Contact
Banbury Cross Health Centre
South Bar House
6 Oxford Road
Banbury
OX16 9AD
Telephone: 01295 256 261
58 Bridge Street
Banbury
OX16 5QD