World Antibiotics Awareness Week (WAAW) is an annual global campaign celebrated from the 18th to the 24th of November each year. It aims to increase awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promote best practices among the public, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders to prevent the further emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). S aureus is a strain of bacteria usually responsible for only mild skin infections that has developed antibiotic resistance making it more difficult to treat. The typically mild skin infections can become serious if the infection spreads to the bloodstream, where it can cause a heart infection or sepsis.

The campaign is led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and emphasises the importance of a One Health approach, recognising that the health of people, animals, plants and the environment is interconnected. WAAW 2024 adopts a specific theme to focus efforts and messages to “Educate. Advocate. Act now.”.

This blog highlights WAAW 2024, incorporating insights from Springer Nature journals, collections, books and content chosen by the publishers.

Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

AMR occurs when microorganisms evolve to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs, making standard treatments ineffective. This is a critical global health issue because it leads to persistent infections, higher healthcare costs and mortality, and threatens medical advancements and food security. The WHO AMR Factsheet quotes AMR as the direct cause of 1.27 million global deaths in 2019, which could result in an estimated US$ 1 trillion in additional healthcare costs by 2050 if left unchecked.

Highlights from Springer Nature publishers 

Recent highlights from Springer Nature Handbooks underscore the critical importance of AMR emergence, drivers, and perspectives explored in the Handbook of Global Health. The crucial role of social science perspectives in understanding and addressing AMR’s global health impacts is discussed in the Handbook of Social Science Disciplines and Global Public Health. 

Springer Nature journal collections on AMR provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements and challenges in this critical field. For instance, the development of rapid diagnostic tests to detect AMR bacteria is crucial for timely and effective treatment. Studies on beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations offer insights into susceptibility and resistance mechanisms, while research on Acinetobacter species explores pathogenicity, ecology, and antibiotic resistance. New antibiotics and antimicrobials in dentistry highlight innovative approaches to combat AMR. Additionally, the collections address the genetic diversity of AMR, the impact of climate change on resistance patterns, and the global implications for emergency surgery and patient safety. Efforts to discover novel therapeutics for tuberculosis control and the broader fight against antibiotic resistance underscore the urgent need for multidisciplinary strategies to tackle this global health threat. In line with these publications, world leaders have committed to decisive action on antimicrobial resistance, aiming to reduce human deaths from AMR by 10% by 2030, highlighting the urgent need for global, regional, and national efforts to address this critical health challenge. 

Recent research published in 2024 has highlighted the multifaceted challenges and strategies in combating AMR. Comprehensive strategies in critical care settings are essential, as shown by studies on reducing multidrug-resistant organisms. Regional analyses, such as those examining Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Arabian Gulf, provide valuable insights into resistance trends over time. The global health disparities in AMR impact are evident in studies focusing on post-partum infections in low-middle-income countries. Research on antibiotic consumption patterns in China offers insights into usage trends and resistance development. Innovative approaches to reduce antibiotic overuse, such as participatory tailored approaches at hospital discharge, are being explored. The effectiveness of audit and feedback mechanisms for family physicians is also being evaluated. 

Economic aspects, including drug pricing and the economic evaluation of interventions, highlight the financial considerations in AMR management. Public perception and behaviour are addressed by studies showing that envisioning a post-antibiotic future can lower expectations and requests for antibiotics. Specific case studies provide targeted solutions for introducing novel antibiotics to treat infections like gonorrhoea. Pediatric antibiotic prescribing patterns in Mozambique are examined to understand usage in younger populations. Advanced predictive models using machine learning are being developed to forecast antimicrobial resistance in hospitalised patients. Finally, the risks associated with antibiotic treatments and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these risks are being explored.

Ongoing clinical trials published in the ISRCTN registry

Several clinical trials currently recruiting at the ISRCTN registry aim to improve antibiotic use and combat resistance. The IPAP-UTI series (ISRCTN12732520) focuses on enhancing primary care antibiotic prescribing to reduce resistant urinary infections. Another trial (ISRCTN16278872) is testing a new AI tool to support doctors in making better antibiotic prescriptions. The “Phased In” study (ISRCTN67759129) is implementing antimicrobial stewardship in primary care settings. The VIVALDI Social Care Database pilot (ISRCTN25223327) collects data on infections, vaccinations, hospitalisations, and deaths among care-home residents in England. Trials are also determining the optimal duration of cefalexin treatment for young children with febrile urinary tract infections (ISRCTN658440030) and assessing the impact of antibiotic treatment duration on effectiveness, safety, and resistance in adult women with UTIs (ISRCTN18390724).

Communities contribution

To find insightful blog posts related to WAAW, you can explore the Springer Nature Research Communities website. This platform hosts a variety of articles and discussions from experts in the field, providing valuable perspectives on antimicrobial resistance and best practices for antibiotic use. Simply use the search function on the website to discover relevant content and stay informed about the latest developments and initiatives in this critical area of public health.

Conclusion

AMR is a critical global health and socioeconomic issue, affecting human and animal health, food production, and the environment. Drug-resistant pathogens threaten everyone, everywhere. Despite this, more awareness is needed. This year’s WAAW theme urges the global community to educate stakeholders, advocate for strong commitments, and take concrete actions against AMR.

Get involved in WAAW 2024!

The Quadripartite organisations Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), WHO, and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) have created a campaign guide to support and inspire your participation. This guide includes the campaign theme, calls to action, participation ideas, social media information, and links to resources to help you develop activities addressing AMR’s impact.