Accelerate vaccines. Decelerate AMR.

Every November, World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) aims to increase global awareness of antibiotic resistance and to encourage best practices to avoid its further emergence and spread. This year, IVI ran a social media campaign to raise awareness specifically around the role of vaccines in preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance. Download our social media assets here.

What is antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?
According to the WHO: Since their discovery, antibiotics have served as the cornerstone of modern medicine. However, the persistent overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human and animal health have encouraged the emergence and spread of AMR, which occurs when microbes, such as bacteria, become resistant to the drugs used to treat them. AMR is rising to dangerously high levels in all parts of the world and is threatening our ability to combat common infectious diseases and support modern medical procedures.

How do vaccines come in?
Vaccination is one of the most effective and sustainable methods of preventing infection. By preventing infection, we reduce the need to take antibiotics, thereby limiting the use—and potential misuse—of antibiotics. A key intervention to slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance is to expand the use and accessibility of existing vaccines, and accelerate the research and development of new ones.

Download the full set of images here.