World Antibiotic Awareness Week is an annual event held by World Health Organisation (WHO) since 2015. This year it will be held around the globe from 13 to 19 November with the theme: Seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before taking antibiotics.

WHO is encouraging all member countries and the international community to participate in this campaign and help raise awareness of antibiotic resistance by spreading the message that everyone should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before taking antibiotics.

As part of this initiative, FV Hospital will implement antibiotics awareness activities targeting patients and staff throughout the hospital, including:

• Installing an antibiotic awareness booth at ground floor of the V Building for guests and staff to take photos
• Asking participants to answer questions about antibiotics at the booth
• Providing awards and gifts to participants.

According to WHO, the inappropriate use of antibiotics encourages the spread of antibiotic-resistant microbes.

As a result, medicines become ineffective and infections persist in the body with an increased risk of spreading to others.