World Antibiotic Awareness Week: handle antibiotics with care

Antibiotic Awareness Week is a worldwide event that aims to increase knowledge about the problem of antibiotic resistance. Find out what NPS Medicinewise is doing to be part of it. 

World Antibiotic Awareness Week: handle antibiotics with care

About the week

Antibiotic Awareness Week is an annual, global event to raise awareness about the serious health issue of antibiotic resistance. Our aim is to reduce antibiotic resistance and educate Australians about the steps they can take to preserve the miracle of antibiotics.

 

What is antibiotic resistance? 

Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change to protect themselves from an antibiotic. This can make bacterial infections much harder, if not impossible to treat. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics is increasing the problem of antibiotic resistance. We are all part of the problem and the solution.

Check out the facts that bust some common misconceptions about antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance.

Did you know...?

  • Australia has one of the highest rates of antibiotic use in the world. We’re ranked 8th among 29 countries evaluated by the OECD.
  • Just because symptoms last a long time, doesn’t mean children need antibiotics. Most children get better in about 2 weeks.
  • Regular hand washing (using soap and running water) keeps your hands clean and can help stop the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
 

Take the quiz

Many Australians are confused about when antibiotics are needed for themselves or their children. How do you compare? Take our quiz and find out. It’s only 5 questions and you can share your results with others to find out who knows more about antibiotic resistance.

 

Order campaign materials

Orders for print materials will open in Spring 2018.

 

What can I do to prevent antibiotic resistance? 

As members of the community, there are many things we can do to prevent antibiotic resistance

If you’re a health professional, there are many ways you can reduce antibiotic resistance and preserve the miracle of antibiotics. 

You can also take the pledge and join the 50,000+ Australians who have promised to preserve the power of antibiotics.