Empowering the Future: Young Health Professionals Lead the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance

The WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region is facing a significant challenge with one of the highest and fastest-growing rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally. Widespread antibiotic misuse and overuse contribute to this crisis, resulting in nearly 1.3 million deaths worldwide. The high rates of drug resistance not only undermine health efforts but also escalate the complexity, cost, and risk associated with healthcare.

Strengthening the AMR Response

To combat this pressing issue, the AMR unit in the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean is implementing robust strategies. A key focus is on engaging young health professionals and healthcare students, recognizing them as future prescribers, dispensers, and administrators of antibiotics.

Cultivating Advocacy Among Young Health Professionals

Young people in healthcare hold significant influence within their communities and play a crucial role in primary healthcare, where most antibiotics are dispensed. The goal is to educate, engage, and mobilize them as advocates for behavioral change, not only among their peers but also in current and future generations.

A Competition for Change

In anticipation of World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week 2023, the AMR unit launched a competition in September 2023, targeting university students and young health professionals. The theme, “Tackling the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in the Eastern Mediterranean Region,” aimed to draw on the innovative and creative ideas of the youth.

WHO AWaRe Antibiotic Book as a Resource

The competition coincided with the release of the “WHO AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) antibiotic book.” This resource provides valuable advice for health workers on antibiotic selection, dose, route of administration, and treatment duration. The objective is to make proper infection management more accessible and encourage its widespread use among health workers.

The Competition’s Impact

The competition, divided into two tracks, received an overwhelming response with 83 submissions from 13 countries in the Region. Track 1 involved short videos, while Track 2 focused on activity proposals. The entries showcased a diverse profile of contributors and highlighted the innovative and influential efforts made to combat AMR.

Celebrating Winners and Implementation Plans

After a rigorous evaluation process, winners were announced for both tracks, with selected proposals receiving awards of up to US$ 1000 to support implementation in 2024. The online Winners’ Announcement Ceremony attracted over 200 health professionals and students, providing a platform to showcase winning entries, share implementation plans, and gather valuable feedback.

Paving the Way Forward

Young health professionals, recognized as the backbone of the current and future health workforce, are actively advocating for action against AMR. The success of the competition emphasizes the importance of engaging and empowering them further in 2024. These change agents play a critical role in preserving the efficacy of current antibiotics, ensuring a healthier future for all.

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