Each year, from November 18 to 24, we recognize World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW). This year’s global campaign, “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together”, calls for collaboration across all sectors to encourage the prudent use of antimicrobials as well as strengthen preventive measures addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Last year, in my guest blog Antimicrobial Resistance – The Time to Act Is Now, I spoke about what health professionals and individuals can do to mitigate the threat of AMR.

This year, I’d like to share the progress Canada has made in its fight against AMR.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that an effective response to a health crisis requires concerted action with domestic and international partners. We also must leverage the systems, processes, infrastructure and, most importantly, relationships, that were established during COVID-19, to make meaningful progress on AMR.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is working closely with federal, provincial, and territorial partners, industry, academia and other stakeholders to advance initiatives that can have the greatest impact on AMR. Priorities include building pan-Canadian leadership, securing access to new antimicrobials, and preserving the effectiveness of existing and new antimicrobials. PHAC is also working with partners to finalize the Pan-Canadian Action Plan on AMR and strengthen our capacity to better detect, understand and act to address AMR.

On an international level, Canada is working to make progress on AMR through the G7 and G20. The Government of Canada recently committed to contributing $300,000 in funding for a new global initiative called SECURE to help address the burden of infectious disease and AMR in low and middle-income countries by increasing equitable access to life-saving antimicrobials.

The inter-connectedness of the world today means that addressing AMR internationally also reduces the risk of AMR in Canada.

We are committed to taking increased and expedited action to mitigate the emergence and spread of AMR. Join the conversation and take part in the fight against AMR!