SIDP is proud to participate in Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW). Infectious Diseases pharmacists are an integral member of the healthcare team, working to promote judicious use of antibiotics to limit the development of resistance.
What is Antibiotic Awareness Week?Antibiotic Awareness Week is an annual one-week observance that gives participating organizations an opportunity to raise awareness of the threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use. Globally this is recognized as World Antibiotic Awareness Week. The World Antibiotic Awareness Week 2024 theme is: "Educate. Advocate. Act now". According to the CDC, at least 2.8 million people become infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, leading to more than 35,000 deaths, in the United States each year. The single most important factor leading to antibiotic resistance is the use of antibiotics. Data have shown that 30-50% of all the antibiotics in hospital settings and 30% of those prescribed in emergency departments or doctor's offices are inappropriate or unnecessary. Let's Take Steps to Reduce Antimicrobial Resistance!Join SIDP’s Antimicrobial Awareness Week (AAW) Strava team to show your support for AAW! Instructions to join the AAW Strava team:
What is Antibiotic Resistance?When microbes are able to resist the effects of drugs, this is called antibiotic resistance. This resistance allows the microbe to grow and not be killed by the drug. Infections due to these resistant organisms are often more difficult and costly to treat. Data from CDC show that six of the most common antibiotic-resistant infections increased by a combined 20% from 2019 to 2022. What is "Be Antibiotics Aware"?The Be Antibiotics Aware campaign was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to educate healthcare professionals, patients and families to use antibiotics judiciously to help limit the development of antibiotic resistance. CDC has developed a library of tools and educational materials to support education and raise awareness. These are available on the CDC website at: www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use. |
SIDP Features for Antibiotic Awareness Week 2024 |
The Pharmacist's Role in Combating Antibiotic Resistance |
SIDP Clinician Spotlight for Antibiotic Awareness Week |
U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week is November 18th-24th. During this observance, SIDP is highlighting pharmacists who promote optimal antibiotic use and combat the threat of antibiotic resistance in impactful and innovative ways.
Working Against Antimicrobial Resistance: Collaborative Innovations and Translational Strategies - Rachel Medernach, MD, MSCI | Infection Prevention and Multidrug-Resistant Organisms: A Multidisciplinary Effort to Protect Patients - Shardul Rathod, MPH, CIC |
Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: The Role of ID Pharmacists and a One Health Approach - Melissa O'Neal, BS, PharmD |
SIDP has a number of resources to help support antimicrobial stewardship and education about antibiotic resistance. These include:
Previous Antibiotic Awareness Week Content from SIDP