The Department of Health (DOH) marked the culmination of the celebration of the World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week (WAAW) 2023, through the Philippine AMR Awareness Week (PAAW), together with the member agencies of the Inter-Agency Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance (ICAMR) and the UN Quadripartite, in a groundbreaking Culminating Activity and High-Level Media Forum, resonating with the theme, “Sama-samang magtulungan upang antimicrobial resistance ay mapigilan” (Preventing antimicrobial resistance together).
Being considered one of the most serious threats to global public health, the Philippines, recognizing the gravity of the situation, has been at the forefront of combating AMR since 2014.
The ICAMR, comprising various pivotal government agencies representing the human health, animal health, science and technology, trade, local government, environment, and education sectors, is tasked with overseeing and implementing the country’s National Action Plan to Combat AMR through One Health Approach.
The commitment extended to the regional and global levels, with the Philippines championing the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration and the ASEAN Strategic Framework to Combat AMR through One Health Approach.
The 2023 PAAW reinforced the call for a united front against the accelerating crisis of AMR through collaborative efforts across sectors featuring the accomplishments of ICAMR Member Agencies, recognizing AMR champions and advocating for urgent action to address the crisis.
“Since 2015, the Philippines has been a dedicated participant in the annual World Antimicrobial Awareness Week.”
“Since 2015, the Philippines has been a dedicated participant in the annual World Antimicrobial Awareness Week every November, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to harmonizing its endeavors with the global objectives articulated in the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance,” Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said.
The week-long celebration was supported by the UN Quadripartite agencies composed of the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH), and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which lead global efforts and collaboration to fight AMR.
“It serves as a compelling clarion call.”
“As the Philippines highlights its unwavering commitment and milestones in the fight against AMR, this event becomes a powerful platform to reinforce the Department’s 8-Point Action Agenda Para sa Healthy Pilipinas. It serves as a compelling clarion call, urging the world to exercise meticulous care in the use of antimicrobials and join forces to prevent the emergence of antimicrobial resistance,” Herbosa concluded.
