Why I Go Blue for AMR: Facts to Get You Thinking
For World AMR Awareness Week, AMR Aware Canada is inviting university and college students across Canada to take part in a shared social-media moment on November 24, 2026, by completing the prompt:
“I go blue for AMR because…” _________________
#GoBlueForAMR #AMRawareCA
If you’re a student looking for inspiration on how to complete the prompt, these AMR facts can help spark ideas or add context to your caption. Feel free to use one, or share your own perspective!
1. Resistance is a microbial process
AMR occurs when microbes, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, evolve to withstand medicines that once worked against them.
Possible prompt: “I go blue for AMR because we need effective treatments for infections.”
2. AMR affects modern healthcare
Drug-resistant infections can make routine surgery, cancer treatment, dialysis and organ transplants riskier if patients develop infections that are difficult to treat.
Possible prompt: “I go blue for AMR because everyone deserves access to effective treatment.”
3. AMR is a global health challenge
In 2021, bacterial AMR was associated with an estimated 4.7 million deaths worldwide, including approximately 1.14 million deaths directly attributable to bacterial resistance.
Possible prompt: “I go blue for AMR because this global challenge calls for collective action.”
4. Antibiotics don’t treat viral infections
Antibiotics work against bacterial infections, not viral illnesses such as the common cold or flu. Using antibiotics when they aren’t needed contributes to resistance.
Possible prompt: “I go blue for AMR because using antibiotics appropriately matters.”
5. Preventing infections helps address AMR
Hand hygiene, recommended vaccinations and infection prevention measures can reduce infections and, in turn, the need for antimicrobial treatment.
Possible prompt: “I go blue for AMR because prevention is part of the solution.”
6. AMR is a One Health issue
Human, animal, plant, food and environmental health are interconnected. Addressing AMR requires collaboration across these sectors.
Possible prompt: “I go blue for AMR because human, animal and environmental health are connected.”
7. Everyone has a role to play
Health professionals, researchers, patients, communities, agricultural producers and others can contribute to preventing infections and promoting responsible antimicrobial use.
Possible prompt: “I go blue for AMR because everyone has something to contribute.”
8. Safe medication disposal matters
Return unused antibiotics to a pharmacy or other appropriate medication-return program rather than flushing them or putting them in household garbage. This helps limit environmental contamination.
Possible prompt: “I go blue for AMR because small actions can make a difference.”