Tackling the super bugs; Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness
In a proactive response to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Public Health teams of the Pharmacy Association of Nigeria Students (PANS, UI), in collaboration with Prof. Iruka’s lab and other healthcare student associations particularly Association of Veterinary Medicine Students( AVMS, UI) and National union of Nursing students association ( NUNSA, UI) orchestrated a week-long campaign during the AMR Awareness Week which ran from November 18th -22nd, 2023. This multifaceted initiative sought not only to inform but to deeply engage the community in understanding the perils of AMR.
The campaign commenced with a rallying memo from the national authorities, setting the stage for a collaborative project involving various healthcare disciplines. The centerpiece of this effort was a compelling video meticulously crafted by all public health teams. This video, disseminated across platforms, aimed to captivate and educate, creating a lasting impact on the community.
Monday saw the teams converging at the school gate, ready to embark on a journey that traversed key locations on campus. From Jaja to Kuti, Bello to the Faculty of Arts, and through education, social science, science, basic medical science (specifically the physiology side), and concluding at the pharmacy/biochemistry side, the teams engaged with students and faculty. The engagement wasn’t just intellectual; participants were rewarded with not just knowledge but also with gastronomic delights, refreshing drinks, and cool shirts.
Wednesday witnessed a strategic expansion beyond the main university audience.The teams ventured to the International School Ibadan, recognizing the importance of fostering awareness among younger minds. The objective was clear: to instill a sense of responsibility and understanding about the consequences of AMR in the minds of the next generation.
The pinnacle of the week’s events unfolded on Thursday at the faculty auditorium with a thought-provoking movie show titled ‘The Invisible Extinction.’ This cinematic masterpiece brought to life true stories of individuals whose lives were deeply impacted by antibiotics and the disruption of natural microbiomes. The emotional resonance of these narratives aimed to not only inform but to elicit empathy, underlining the urgency of addressing AMR.
In this vibrant and detailed week of activities, PANS Public Health team and her collaborators didn’t merely disseminate information; they crafted an immersive experience. Through strategic outreach, personalized engagement, and storytelling, they left an indelible mark on the community. The fight against antimicrobial resistance wasn’t just a scientific endeavor; it became a shared narrative of awareness, unity, and collective responsibility, ensuring a more resilient healthcare future for all.
