Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week

Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week is held globally each year to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance and promote the responsible use of antimicrobials.

Antimicrobial resistance has been identified as one of the greatest threats to human health today.

The prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens is rising worldwide. Patients with infections due to resistant bacteria experience delayed recovery and treatment failure and are more likely to die than patients with infections from non-resistant bacteria.

World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week takes place between the 18th to the 24th November.

Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week 2023

Test your knowledge 

Consumers 

Test your knowledge on antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance by taking the quiz.

Health professionals 

Pharmacists, test your knowledge with a quiz on antimicrobial use.

Health professionals, test your knowledge about priority fungal pathogens!

Colouring in and poster competitions

This year we are highlighted the differences between bacteria and viruses. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections. Misuse of antibiotics for colds and flus causes antimicrobial resistance. Disposing antimicrobials correctly is important to protect the environment.

Colouring in and poster competitions — winners and finalists announced!

Educational resources, including lesson plans for Primary School teachers (reception to Year 6), are available covering hand hygiene, differences between bacteria and viruses as well as antimicrobial use and resistance and link to the Australian Curriculum learning outcomes.

Looking for children's books to read? Libraries SA have created a of books which are available to borrow in public libraries across SA. The list contains books about 'good germs' (microbiome), antimicrobial use and resistance. 

Further information

For further information on Antimicrobial Awareness Week activities in South Australia, email HealthAntibio@sa.gov.au.