News outlets discuss the first World Antibiotic Awareness Week and a new survey from the WHO showing widespread public misunderstanding of antimicrobial resistance.

International Business Times: First World Antibiotic Awareness Week: WHO Launches A Campaign For Better Use Of Antibiotics
“…To stress the global need to use antibiotics wisely, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the World Antibiotic Awareness Week [Monday]. The objective of the first World Antibiotics Awareness Week (16 Nov. to 22 Nov. 2015) is to promote and encourage best practices among health workers, physicians, general public, agriculture sector, and policymakers so that the further spread of antibiotic resistance is kept in check…” (Bhatia, 11/16).

Reuters: WHO warns of widespread misunderstanding of superbug threat
“…Ramping up its fight against antibiotic resistance with a survey of public awareness, the United Nations health agency said 64 percent of those asked believed wrongly that penicillin-based drugs and other antibiotics can treat colds and flu, despite the fact such medicines have no impact on viruses. Around a third of people surveyed also wrongly believed they should stop taking antibiotics when they feel better, rather than completing the prescribed treatment course, the WHO said…” (Kelland, 11/16).