As part of the World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week from November 18 to 24, Kerala will focus on its efforts to improve antibiotic literacy in the state.
World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) is a global campaign celebrated annually to improve awareness and understanding of AMR and promote good practice among the public.
One of the key goals of the global action plan to address the growing problem of antibiotic and other antimicrobial resistance is to improve awareness and understanding of AMR through effective communication, education and training.
Kerala has set a target of achieving complete antibiotic literacy in the state by December 2025.
The Kerala Antibiotic Literacy Campaign aims to create public awareness about the importance of proper use of antibiotics and how expired antibiotics should be disposed of safely so that they do not pollute waterways and return to the soil.
The message is conveyed to the public that rational and judicious use of antibiotics is necessary to prevent the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of pathogens. Health authorities also emphasize that antibiotics should not be bought over the counter and only with a prescription from a registered doctor.
As part of awareness raising, the Ministry of Health has launched a new campaign in which a 10-question quiz is being circulated among the public to test the level of antibiotic literacy.
“Although over-the-counter antibiotic sales in the state have decreased by 20 to 30%, this has largely been due to strict regulations preventing the sale of antibiotics without a prescription, and not necessarily due to people’s awareness of AMR. We want people to voluntarily stop seeking antibiotics over the counter,” said a senior health official.
The quiz is widely distributed among the public using a QR code. The intention is to seek the help of an external agency to evaluate changes in knowledge and behavior among people at a later stage.
Published – 17 Nov 2025 21:45 IST
