Overview:
Palau is stepping up against the growing threat of drug-resistant infections, with President Surangel Whipps Jr. declaring November 18–24 as World AMR Awareness Week. The proclamation warns that antimicrobial resistance is already costing lives worldwide — and the Pacific is among the most at risk.
By: L.N. Reklai
KOROR, Palau — Palau highlights the growing threat of drug-resistant infections by joining the global call to “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future.” President Surangel Whipps Jr. proclaimed November 18–24 as World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week, warning that drug-resistant infections pose a serious and growing threat to island communities.
Antimicrobial resistance happens when germs — such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi — change over time and stop responding to the medicines designed to kill them. In simple terms, it means antibiotics and other treatments may no longer work, making common infections harder to cure, more expensive to treat and, in some cases, deadly.
According to the presidential proclamation, AMR is already causing an estimated 1.3 million deaths each year worldwide and contributes to another 5 million deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that up to 32,000 lives in the Pacific could be lost between 2020 and 2030 because of drug-resistant infections. By 2030, the economic toll on Pacific Island countries is expected to reach USD $500 million annually due to higher medical costs and reduced productivity.
President Whipps noted that the Pacific region’s vulnerability underscores the need for urgent action, including in Palau. The WHO has urged all 37 member states in the Western Pacific Region to make AMR a priority to protect the health of more than 1.2 billion people.
Palau’s Ministry of Health and Human Services (MHHS) has finalized the National Action Plan on AMR, which outlines the country’s strategy to prevent and control resistant infections. MHHS has also completed the second edition of the Antimicrobial Treatment Guidelines for 2025–2029 to standardize how antibiotics are prescribed across Palau’s health system.
The guidelines aim to ensure consistent, evidence-based care and reduce unnecessary or incorrect antibiotic use — one of the main drivers of antimicrobial resistance. Officials say proper prescribing practices help slow the spread of resistant bacteria and improve patient outcomes.
The proclamation emphasizes that healthcare providers, public agencies and the community all play a role in reducing AMR. Raising awareness, following medical advice, and using antibiotics responsibly are critical steps in protecting Palau’s health system and future generations.
World AMR Awareness Week is observed globally every year to promote understanding of the issue and encourage safe and appropriate use of antimicrobial medicines.
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