Our world is more connected than ever. The medicines that save lives, the food we produce, the economies we depend on, and the health of our environment are all connected. When drug-resistant pathogens emerge and spread, they impact our health, animal health, food security, economies and sustainable development. Their emergence and spread are also influenced by the health of our environment. 

AMR is no longer a future challenge; it is a global threat. 

World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) is a global campaign to raise awareness and increase understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and to promote global action to tackle the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections.  

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to medicines intended to kill them. As drug resistance increases, antimicrobial agents, such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals and antiparasitics, become ineffective and infections become increasingly difficult or impossible to treat. 

WAAW 2026 shines a spotlight on the shared responsibility of  governments, health professionals, veterinarians, environmental experts, farmers, researchers and communities to prevent AMR. Under the theme “One Health, one action: Prevent AMR now”, the campaign calls on everyone to do their part, recognizing that the health of people, animals, plants, and the environment is closely connected, and that actions in one sector can affect them all. 

Whether you are a policymaker, health worker, veterinarian, farmer, environmental practitioner, or community member, your actions matter. Together, through One Health and one action at a time, we can prevent and contain the spread of AMR, protect the health of people, animals, plants and the environment, strengthen food systems and support resilient economies, for a more sustainable future for generations to come.