Preventing infectious diseases in schools: World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness (WAAW) week
Every year, during 18-24 November, we celebrate World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), which is a global campaign to raise awareness and understanding of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microbes, such as bacteria, fungi or viruses, change in a way that makes the drugs used to treat them ineffective. This means that medication such as antibiotics may not work as well, and infections may be much more difficult to treat. By using antimicrobial drugs appropriately and reducing the chance of infections though vaccination and good hygiene practices we can reduce the spread of drug-resistant antimicrobials.
In building the resilience of future generations, you can make a positive impact by communicating AMR messages to children and young people.
What can I do to help?
This year we are seeking support from schools to raise awareness of AMR. Here are four easy ways that you and your school could help make a difference:
1. Send out a newsletter item to parents and carers to raise awareness of AMR
2. Use the e-Bug resources in lessons or school clubs
e-Bug (operated by the UK Health Security Agency [UKHSA]), is a health programme that aims to promote positive behaviour change amongst children and young people around infection prevention and control and AMR. Lesson plans are designed to complement the national curriculum and have been developed in collaboration with teachers and scientists and are accredited by The Association for Science Education.
Suggested lesson plans for WAAW include:
- KS1 Introduction to Microbes KS2 Harmful Microbes
- KS2 Antibiotics
- KS2 Vaccinations
- Additional e-Bug resources (games, experiments, cartoons)
3. Nominate a staff member to become an e-Bug educator
As an e-Bug educator they can teach children how to prevent the spread of infections and how to use antibiotics responsibly.
4. Make sure that your knowledge of school flu vaccination guidance is up to date
See "Flu vaccination in schools" (GOV.UK) for more information.
Please consider using the e-Bug materials in your school and then showcasing the children's materials and artwork on social media to help heighten awareness and education to parents, carers and members of the wider community.
Many thanks for your support with the campaign.
