The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) along with local partners and organizations around the world are joining up to recognize Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week, November 18 – 24, 2025.

To mark the occasion, the WECHU’s Windsor office will be illuminated in blue to raise awareness of the growing global threat posed by antimicrobial resistance and to highlight the importance of using antibiotics responsibly.

“Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most urgent health challenges of our time. Every time antibiotics are used incorrectly or unnecessarily, we increase the risk of infections that no longer respond to treatment. We all share responsibility for preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics, so they remain effective when truly needed to save lives,” said Dr. Aloosh, Medical Officer of Health, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.

“By working together, we can slow the emergence and spread of resistant infections by using antibiotics only when prescribed and exactly as directed and stay up to date on vaccinations to prevent infections before they start. Small actions today protect lives tomorrow.”

This year’s theme, “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together”, calls on individuals, healthcare providers, and organizations to take collective action in preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics for generations to come.

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time in a way that no longer allows medications designed to kill them to be effective. This makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death.

“At Erie Shores HealthCare, Antimicrobial Awareness Week is an important reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the effectiveness of the medications that save lives,” said Neelu Sehgal, Chief Nursing Executive, Program Development Office, Erie Shores HealthCare.

“Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most pressing global health challenges, and we are committed to strong stewardship practices, continuous education with our pharmacists and teams to ensure antibiotics are used safely and appropriately for patients.”

In Canada, an estimated 26% of bacterial infections were resistant to first-line antibiotics in 2018, contributing to approximately 15 deaths per day and costing the healthcare system an estimated $1.4 billion annually. Without continued action, resistance rates in Canada are projected to rise to 40% by 2050.

“Every measure that can be taken to lessen the impactful burdens on our stressed healthcare system aren’t just helpful – they’re vital. And the fact is, the more effective that antibiotics are, the fewer calls our Paramedics could receive for bacterial related emergencies, meaning the more our ambulances will be available for other rapid medical interventions,” said Justin Lammers, Essex-Windsor EMS Chief.

“Please do all you responsibly can to help maximize the effectiveness of antibiotics.”

The WECHU encourages all residents to take steps to reduce the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance:

• Use antibiotics only when recommended and prescribed by a healthcare provider.
• Do not share or use leftover antibiotics.
• Stay up to date on vaccinations. They prevent diseases and the need for antibiotics.
• Practice good hand hygiene to prevent infections.