World Antibiotic Awareness Week, taking place 13‒19 November 2017, will be conducted under the theme “Seek advice from a qualified health care professional before taking antibiotics”. The week is an opportunity to advocate for the proper use of antibiotics and raise awareness of antibiotics as a precious resource that must only be taken with a doctor’s prescription. The aim is to help reduce the improper consumption of antibiotics and to keep antibiotics effective as long as possible in order that those in need can get the best possible treatment. This will also help reduce the threat of antimicrobial resistance.

This year’s campaign will also highlight the importance of a holistic approach by encouraging partners in animal health and agriculture to speak with one voice against improper use of antibiotics. Drug-resistant bacteria arising in humans, animals or the environment may spread from one to the other and from one country to another. Therefore, WHO calls for countries of the Region, partners, including United Nations agencies, ministries of health and agriculture, nongovernmental organizations, human and animal health professionals and others to join the campaign and advocate for the proper use of antibiotics.