Belize Takes Action: Community Engagement Highlights World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week 2024

Belize Takes Action: Community Engagement Highlights World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week 2024

Belize, November 26, 2024 (PAHO) - In observance of World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, celebrated annually from November 18 to 24, Belize conducted a series of health fairs across the country to raise awareness about the critical issue of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and its impact on public health. This year's global theme, "Educate. Advocate. Act now.", underscores the urgency of collective action to combat AMR.

The health fairs were guided by the principle of Communities Empowered to Tackle AMR. This approach emphasizes the pivotal role communities play in addressing AMR within the One Health multi-sectoral framework, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health to tackle AMR comprehensively.

These events provided dynamic platforms for community engagement, offering educational messages on the rational use of antimicrobials, promoting awareness about AMR, and encouraging behavior changes to reduce the misuse and overuse of these critical medicines.

By providing opportunities for participants to learn, interact, and take an active role, the health fairs helped bridge knowledge gaps and foster collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public. This initiative aligns with the goals of the Global Action Plan on AMR, which advocates for strengthened public awareness, improved stewardship, and enhanced national capacity to combat AMR.

Belize's commitment to addressing AMR reflects its proactive approach to safeguarding public health and ensuring the availability of effective treatments for generations to come.