A Multifaceted Approach through Research, Awareness, and Collaboration for Addressing the Global Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance

The World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) is an annual event that raises public awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), focusing on education and communication. In 2023, the WHO, FAO, UNEP, WHO, and WOAH rebranded WAAW as the World AMR Awareness Week to better support AMR challenges. AMR epidemiology has shown a concerning increase in resistance to important antimicrobials, particularly carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria and multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. AMR contributes to approximately 5 million deaths annually, with 1.2 million directly attributed to AMR. Strengthening surveillance systems is essential to track resistance patterns, identify emerging threats, and guide evidence-based interventions. Countries worldwide are encouraged to develop national plans to mitigate AMR, with integrated surveillance systems being crucial for monitoring trends and evaluating interventions. Research in the UAE has shown how integrated surveillance systems can track resistance in various pathogens, highlighting the need for further epidemiological investigation and genetic evolution monitoring.