Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health and socioeconomic challenge, significantly affecting human and animal health, food production, and the environment. AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve over time, rendering medicines ineffective and making infections harder to treat. This resistance increases the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. As a result, antibiotics and other antimicrobial treatments lose their effectiveness, leading to infections that become increasingly difficult or impossible to manage.
World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) observed annually from November 18 to 24, provides an opportunity to raise awareness about AMR, promote best practices for responsible antimicrobial use, and reduce the spread of drug-resistant infections. The WAAW 2024 theme, "Educate. Advocate. Act now.", called on the global community to educate stakeholders, advocate for bold commitments, and take concrete actions to combat AMR.
As part of this global initiative, 30 students from various colleges of the University of Rwanda, guided by five faculty mentors, participated in WAAW 2024 by conducting awareness activities in schools and a health center in Kayonza District, in Rwanda’s Eastern Province. These activities were part of the One Health experiential learning excursion organized by COHESA Rwanda.
Public Health Education at Mukarange Health Center
At Mukarange Health Center, the campaign targeted both medical practitioners and patients, addressing both the supply and demand sides of antimicrobial stewardship. Students engaged with outpatients, educating them on responsible drug use, emphasizing the importance of adhering to prescribed treatments and the dangers of common harmful practices such as self-medication and misuse of antibiotics.
For healthcare providers, discussions focused on responsible prescription practices as a critical approach to mitigating AMR. Encouraging proper diagnostics and appropriate prescribing behaviors among medical professionals can significantly reduce unnecessary or inappropriate antibiotic use, thereby contributing to global efforts against AMR.
A university student conducting a health education session on AMR at Mukarange Health Center (photo credit: 64 Waves)
School campaigns: empowering students as AMR ambassadors
Two schools, Kayonza Modern School and Groupe Scolaire Mukarange Catholic, were selected for AMR awareness activities. Schools serve as powerful platforms for knowledge dissemination, reaching not only students but also their families and the wider community. Young learners, with their curiosity and enthusiasm, act as effective messengers, spreading newly acquired knowledge on AMR to their households, fostering a ripple effect of awareness. Through interactive sessions, students and teachers were educated on the dangers of antibiotic misuse and encouraged practices that promote responsible antimicrobial use. By involving both students and educators, the campaign aimed to establish a long-term impact on community awareness and behavioral change as mentioned by the students here.
Looking Forward
Given the global burden of AMR, it is imperative that all stakeholders remain engaged in raising awareness and implementing sustainable solutions. The University of Rwanda students' participation in WAAW 2024 reinforced the global message of responsible medicine use, contributing to ongoing efforts to combat AMR.
However, AMR awareness should not be limited to specific events such as WAAW. Instead, it should be an ongoing effort that integrates a One Health approach, engaging stakeholders from the human, animal, and environmental sectors. Addressing AMR requires a collaborative, multisectoral, and interdisciplinary response, ensuring that knowledge and best practices are continually shared across all sectors.
Fostering continuous engagement and education builds a resilient community that is well-equipped to tackle AMR, ensuring a healthier future for all.
Looking Forward
Owing to the prevalence of AMR globally, it is important that all stakeholders are engaged in creating awareness of its dangers and how they can be mitigated. The messages disseminated by the University students during WAAW 2024 reinforced the global message of responsible medicine use, contributing to efforts against antimicrobial resistance.
The awareness creation should, however, not be relegated to days, such as WAAW, but should be an ongoing effort. The One Heath approach, involving stakeholders from the human, animal and environment sectors, should be promoted since AMR requires collaborative, multisectoral, interdisciplinary response.