The UIMSA – University College Hospital (UCH) antimicrobial stewardship committee marked the World antimicrobial resistance awareness week (WAAW) which held between the 18th and 24th of November 2023. This week was established to raise global awareness and understanding about antimicrobial resistance with the aim of preventing it.
The committee held several activities during the course of the week, including an awareness walk, clinic and market visits and a students’ symposium. The symposium which was held on Thursday, 23rd November was titled; “Students’ One Health Symposium: Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together”.
In attendance were students from the departments of medicine, nursing, veterinary medicine, environmental health sciences, human nutrition and pharmacy. There were three student speakers; Folasade Olajuwon, Olayiwola Emmanuel and Olanrewaju Olaleruwho who spoke on the human, animal and environmental health components to antimicrobial resistance. The concept of “One Health”—that combatting antimicrobial resistance required the cooperation of all sectors—was extensively discussed.
Several notable personalities from the University of Ibadan and University College Hospital were in attendance and shared their knowledge and experience with antimicrobial resistance. Pharmacist Moshood Lawal, (a Member of the WHO Task Force of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Survivors) recounted his story of battling multi-drug resistant infections. Dr Achiaka Irabor, the Head, Family medicine department UCH also presented an account of her experience while raising awareness about antimicrobial resistance in a rural community.
Lastly, Dr Babatunde Ogunbosi proposed the founding of a “Students’ One Health Club” to address antimicrobial resistance. He then went ahead to give the vote of thanks and closing remarks.
Aisha Ibrahim
