AMR Awareness Week

November 18-24

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global public health threat and growing in Canada. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics and other antimicrobials is increasing drug-resistance in microbes that spread among and between humans, animals and plants. AMR is making infectious diseases harder or impossible to treat and that affects us all.

#GoBlueForAMR

#GoBlueForAMR is a Canada-wide colour campaign during World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) to increase the visibility of AMR and share knowledge on how to tackle this growing threat. To mark WAAW, landmarks all across Canada will be lit blue to support increased awareness of AMR. Learn more about the campaign and explore AMR resources at antibioticawareness.ca.

The role of pharmacists

Pharmacists have a significant opportunity to engage in antimicrobial stewardship activities through education, health promotion and prevention, appropriate prescribing, and working closely with other prescribers.

Q&A with pharmacists involved in antimicrobial resistance and stewardship

Ahead of AMR Awareness Week, CPhA caught up with a few Canadian pharmacists to hear about their AMR stewardship and the important role pharmacists have to play in combatting AMR.

Bradley J. Langford, BScPhm, ACPR, PharmD
(he/him)

Meet Brad

Valerie Leung, BScPhm, ACPR, MBA
(she/her)

Meet Valerie

Resources

CPhA

Common Community Infections: Key Clinical Pearls

Optimizing Duration of Therapy: Is Shorter Smarter?

Pharmacists as Antimicrobial Stewards: Fighting Resistance Needs Your Assistance (April 23, 2019) Webinar recording
Top 5 Tips for AMS in Community Practice (May 2019) Short video

Using Antibiotics Wisely

Choosing Wisely Canada’s Using Antibiotics Wisely campaign includes practice change recommendations, posters, prescribing tools, patient resources and more.

Rethink Antibiotic Prescribing

Pharmacy5in5 is an online learning platform designed by pharmacists. Registration is open to pharmacy professionals in Canada. Check out their short video on antibiotic prescribing and related infographic.

Viral Prescription Pads

To be used with patients who have a suspected viral infection, this time-saving educational tool provides information about symptomatic relief and indicates when to consider a return visit. Adult and child versions are available. Order free copies here.

AMR Awareness Canada

More AMR tools and resources for providers and patients can be found on the antimicrobialawareness.ca website.