DOH reiterates commitment in fight against antimicrobial resistance
The Department of Health (DOH) led the culmination of the World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week (WAAW) 2023 through the celebration of the Philippine AMR Awareness Week (PAAW).

In a statement released on Saturday, Nov. 25, DOH said that the event brought together member agencies of the Inter-Agency Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance (ICAMR) and the UN Quadripartite under the theme, "Sama-samang magtulungan upang antimicrobial resistance ay mapigilan" (Preventing antimicrobial resistance together).
Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa underscored the Philippines' dedicated participation in the annual World Antimicrobial Awareness Week since 2015, emphasizing the nation's commitment to global objectives in the fight against antimicrobial resistance and reinforcing the Department's 8-Point Action Agenda Para sa Healthy Pilipinas (For a healthy Philippines).
“It serves as a compelling and inspiring call, urging the world to exercise meticulous care in the use of antimicrobials and join forces to prevent the emergence of antimicrobial resistance,” he added.
The Philippines, recognizing the gravity of the situation, has been at the forefront of the fight against AMR since 2014, DOH said.
DOH also noted that the ICAMR, consisting of pivotal government agencies, oversees and implements the country’s National Action Plan to Combat AMR through the One Health Approach.
Moreover, it also highlighted that the 2023 PAAW reinforced the call for a united front against the accelerating crisis of AMR through collaborative efforts across sectors, featuring the accomplishments of ICAMR member agencies, recognizing AMR champions, and advocating for urgent action to address the crisis.
DOH stressed that the week-long celebration received support from the UN Quadripartite agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH), and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which led global efforts and collaboration to fight AMR.