Port Blair, Dec.1: Along with rest of the world, every year, the Directorate of Health Services, A&N Administration in association with ANIIMS observed ‘World Antimicrobial Resistance’ (AMR) Week from Nov.18 to 24, 2022 with the theme ‘Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together & Antimicrobials: Handle with Care’ in A& N Islands to create awareness about the threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and steps for its containment.

World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week (WAAW) is aimed to increase awareness on Global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and to encourage best practice among the population, health workers and policy makers in order to overcome the further emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) presents a global public health threat. It is a dynamic phenomenon that occurs when bacteria, virus, fungi and parasites resist the effects of medicines, making common infection harder to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.      

To mark the occasion, Health Department organized a weeklong awareness programmes for awareness of stakeholders followed by meeting with Private Pharmacist Association of A&N Islands, Poster/ Essay/Quiz competition conducted among the students of ANIIMS & Nursing School and planting of fruit trees by KAYAKALP Staff of G.B. Pant Hospital in the presence of Medical Superintendent and Matron.

In continuation to World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, a workshop was organized by involving Faculties of ANIIMS, Pharmacists and other stakeholders of Health Department. During the workshop Mission Director (NHM), Director of Health Services, Director ANIIMS, Scientist of ICMR and Programme Officer (AYUSH) were present on the occasion. In this connection a memorandum of understanding was signed between National Communicable Disease Centre, New Delhi and ANIIMS, Port Blair on prevention of AMR for further action.