The World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week (WAAW) is a global campaign aimed at raising awareness and understanding of AMR, as well as promoting best practices among One Health stakeholders to combat the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections. WAAW is observed annually from 18–24 November.
This year’s theme, “Educate. Advocate. Act now.”, calls on the global community to educate stakeholders about AMR, advocate for bold commitments, and take concrete actions to address this pressing challenge.
The collaborative efforts demonstrated during WAAW 2024 in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan underscore the importance of a One Health approach in combating AMR. Educating future professionals, fostering intersectoral collaboration, and addressing AMR through research and policy, the region is taking significant strides toward a healthier, safer future.
In collaboration with the FAO and WHO Country Offices, we participated in a series of activities to raise awareness about the prudent use of antimicrobials in public and veterinary health.
Key initiatives included visits to Astana Medical University and the Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University named after S. Seifullin, where lectures were delivered to students and faculty members. These sessions were accompanied by an engaging quiz, with small prizes awarded to participants who correctly answered the speakers’ questions.
In partnership with the State Veterinary Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Veterinary University in Samarkand, we conducted similar events to address AMR challenges. These events engaged students, faculty members, and field veterinarians, emphasizing the prudent use of antimicrobials across public and veterinary health sectors.
The lectures covered a wide range of topics, including:
On 22 November, as part of Quadripartite activities, a roundtable discussion on antimicrobial resistance was held, involving faculty members from both medical and veterinary universities.
The roundtable focused on advocating for and promoting the integration of AMR interventions into higher education curricula and professional training programs for human medicine and veterinary professionals. By adopting a multisectoral approach, the initiative aimed to enhance cross-disciplinary collaboration and strengthen AMR awareness and management at both institutional and national levels.
During the roundtable, significant research findings on antibiotic resistance were presented, shedding light on the challenges in Kazakhstan. The data highlighted the widespread presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and, in some cases, residues in food products. These findings underscore the urgent need for greater attention to antibiotic resistance, both at the academic level and during postgraduate training.
The sessions in both countries received enthusiastic responses, with active participation and insightful discussions. Universities committed to intensifying efforts to address AMR through education, training, and research, signaling a promising step forward in the region’s fight against AMR.
