World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week: 18th–24th November 2026
Introduction: Global health commemorative days and scientific conferences provide platforms to raise awareness about priority public health issues and to share evidence for action. The October–December quarter includes days dedicated to mental health, breast cancer, infection prevention, pneumonia, diabetes, antimicrobial resistance and HIV, alongside national, professional and continental scientific conferences among others. These occasions offer governments, institutions, partners, communities and individuals an opportunity to strengthen advocacy, improve public understanding, and promote actions that contribute to better health outcomes.
Bacterial antimicrobial resistance was directly responsible for an estimated 1.27 million deaths globally in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths.
World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week is observed annually from 18 to 24 November to improve awareness and understanding of AMR and to encourage best practices among the public, health workers, animal health professionals and policy makers. The 2026 theme, “One Health, one action: Prevent AMR now”, calls for joint action across human, animal and environmental health. The public is encouraged to use antibiotics only when prescribed by a qualified health worker, to complete prescribed courses, and to avoid sharing antibiotics or self-medicating, while farmers are encouraged to use antimicrobials in animals only under veterinary guidance.
Authors: Winfred Nakaweesi1*, Allan Amandu1, Robert Masamba Namisi2, Irene Ayaa1
Institutional affiliation: 1Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda; 2Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program-Laboratory Leadership Program; Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
*Correspondence: Email: wnakaweesi@uniph.go.ug; Tel: +256774572807
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