This World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (18–24 November 2023), Infection Prevention in Practice (IPIP) has invited experts and key stakeholders within the fields of infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) to give their view on some of the ongoing challenges we face in the race against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). IPIP is specifically focussing on what we perceive to be some of the lesser considered barriers to optimising antimicrobial use and solutions and tools available to help overcome them. Cloutman-Green et al. define AMR as a ‘super wicked problem’ and acknowledge the role of engaging with patients and the public within a One Health solution. This is particularly relevant, given the theme for World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week 2023 is “Preventing antimicrobial resistance together”. Wetangula et al. have focussed on the global perspective, highlighting challenges of implementing AMS tools in low- and middle-income countries. Authors emphasise that a ‘lift and shift’ approach to AMS tools across international healthcare settings is ineffective and there is a requirement for ‘country-specific, realistic, practical and effective tools’. Finally, Bhogal et al. examine the impact of spurious penicillin allergy on AMS in BAME patient groups, the barriers to best practice and strategies to overcome these. Click here to read more!