World Antimicrobial Awareness Week concludes

Ludhiana, November 23, 2024: To commemorate, World Antimicrobial Awareness Week Department of Microbiology, DMC&H conducted a week long activities to spread awareness among the masses.
 
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) is observed annually from November 18th to 24th. This week is dedicated to raising awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global health threat that impacts not only human health but also animal health, agriculture, and the environment.  The theme for the World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) 2024 is “Educate. Advocate. Act now.” calls for urgent action to combat AMR and highlights the need for stronger leadership, increased education, and concrete actions to tackle the issue.
 
The Government of India has taken many initiatives to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).Ministry of Health & Family Welfare launched the National Action Plan on AMR in 2017 to curb the rapidly rising menace of antimicrobial resistance. The National Medical Commission has urged every medical professional to be well versed with the NAP AMR prescriber modules. Dr. G S Wander, Principal coordinated the sensitization workshop.

Dr. Veenu Gupta, Professor & Head  Microbiology and Nodal officer NAP-AMR Cell DMC&H  along with  members Dr. Sandeep Kaushal (Dean Academics), Dr.H.S. Dhooria (Prof. Medicine) and Dr. Sarit Sharma (Prof. Community Medicine) delivered educational talks on prescribing antimicrobials, diagnostic stewardship & implications of AMR, antimicrobial stewardship and infection control practices  for faculty, staff and resident.

The Department of Microbiology under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Veenu Gupta, Professor & Head along with faculty Dr. Rama Gupta, Dr. Jyoti Chaudhary, Dr. Eshani Dewan & Dr. Manisha Aggarwal conducted a plethora of activities for the staff, post graduate and under graduate students like extempore, reel making, poster presentation, slogan writing and quiz competitions as well as community awareness raising walkathon showcasing the importance of judicious use of antibiotics to drive the message home.

It was emphasised that everyone can play an important role in prevention of antimicrobial resistance  by following these simple steps like regular washing of  hands, practicing safe sex and keeping up to date with vaccinations & judicious use of antibiotics (only when they are prescribed, complete the full course and don’t share leftover antibiotics, not for viral infections - common cold or diarrhoea )It is time we all come together to crush this menace and protect our future generations from this invisible killer. Join the fight against AMR & be an AMR champion.