CAMO-Net and World AMR Awareness Week 2024
Today marks the start of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), an annual global campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO) created to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Running from November 18 to 24, this year’s theme is “Educate. Advocate. Act now.” This call to action emphasises the urgent need for collective efforts to address AMR, a public health emergency that is affecting the lives of people around the world.
Throughout this awareness week, we will highlight some of the important work that the Wellcome Trust funded Centres for Antimicrobial Optimisation Network (CAMO-Net) is doing around the world the address AMR.
What is antimicrobial resistance?
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and no longer respond to treatments that were once effective. This resistance leads to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality rates, posing a significant threat to public health and potentially rendering common infections untreatable.
The WHO recently identified AMR as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. They also highlighted that the emergence and spread of AMR is accelerated by the misuse and the overuse of antimicrobials to treat infections. With rising cases of resistant infections, the world needs to act now to ensure that antimicrobials work when they are most needed.
CAMO-Net’s global expertise
CAMO-Net is a global research collaboration of AMR experts working to optimise antimicrobial use in humans and address the underlying challenges posed by AMR.
Grounded in values of equity, local leadership, and collaborative knowledge sharing, CAMO-Net’s aim is a world where evidence-based antimicrobial practices are universally accessible. The network’s mission focuses on strengthening the global response to AMR by creating sustainable research ecosystems that produce practical tools, guidelines, and strategies for governments, policymakers, and healthcare systems.
We are comprised of:
- Five national hubs in Brazil, India, South Africa, Uganda, and the UK
- Three technical support and development centres in Ghana, Malawi, and Thailand
- Three shadow national sites in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Timor-Leste.
Our national hubs are equal partners responsible for managing our research. Our national hubs are built on existing collaborations and bring world class researchers together to address the global threat of AMR with local expertise. Our five national hubs are supported by three technical support and development centres, which are quality-assured technology and research and development laboratories to support our activities.
Shadow national sites participate in network activities to actively build research collaborations and capacity with the national hubs. Our shadow national sites are currently identifying national research priorities and will then conduct a pilot project.
The goal for a future iteration of CAMO-Net is that shadow national sites would become National Hubs, and new shadow sites would be identified.
Why WAAW matters: A call for collective action
For CAMO-Net, WAAW represents a vital opportunity to promote our mission of responsible antimicrobial use and demonstrate our commitment to addressing AMR through education, collaboration, and community engagement. Throughout this week, we will highlight the impactful work we are doing globally to tackle antimicrobial resistance and support optimisation efforts.
WAAW also serves as an essential reminder for everyone—healthcare professionals, policymakers, and individuals—to acknowledge the severity of AMR and recognise the critical role each of us plays in addressing this global challenge. Each year, millions of people are affected by drug-resistant infections, and the effects of AMR are felt across communities, healthcare systems, and economies. The theme of “Educate. Advocate. Act now.” calls for collective action on multiple levels whether through education, advocacy, or making simple changes in how antibiotics are used.
It is vital that healthcare professionals understand the key role they play in addressing AMR. Professor Anna Levin, co-lead of CAMO-Net Brazil, emphasises, “It is a challenge for the physician, when facing a sick person, to decide whether or not to prescribe antibiotics. These drugs save lives if used when needed but are harmful to patients and the environment if overused. Confidence to make the right choice can only come from education and experience and the understanding of the full impact of each decision.”
How you can contribute to tackling AMR
Healthcare professionals are not the only ones who can make a difference. It is crucial to recognise that everyone plays a vital role in addressing AMR. Here are a few ways everyone can participate in this global initiative:
- Educate yourself and others: Share information about AMR and WAAW in your community. Understanding the risks and responsible practices is the first step toward making a difference.
- Practice responsible antibiotic use: Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when prescribed antibiotics. Never share medications or use leftover antibiotics for different illnesses.
- Support local and global initiatives: Engage with local health organisations and participate in campaigns that promote AMR awareness and prevention.
By following the theme “Educate. Advocate. Act now.” everyone can collectively contribute to tackling AMR. Join CAMO-Net in this important mission during WAAW, and beyond, to work towards a future where antimicrobials are used appropriately and continue to save lives across the world.
