Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is no longer a looming threat – it’s a current crisis. Recognising the urgent need to confront this global health challenge, GPSA-KNUST joined the world in observing World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week. This year’s theme, “Educate. Advocate. Act Now,” was a threefold call to action, urging all stakeholders to understand, educate, and act.
The week-long event was masterfully orchestrated by the Health and Safety Committee with strong support from the International Relations Committee, Pharmedia, and Ediboard. The program was anything but conventional. Rather than sticking solely to traditional lectures, WARAW 2024 infused education with creativity – art, poetry, and storytelling all took the stage to make science more human and the message more lasting.
At the heart of the week’s campaign was a dynamic webinar held on November 23, moderated by the ever-capable Mr. Michael Acheampong, International Relations Officer. The digital event attracted participants across departments and institutions. The line-up of keynote speakers brought both international and academic depth:
• Pharm Sia Nasu Kaba from Lumley Government Hospital in Sierra Leone provided sobering insights into the regional struggles with antimicrobial misuse, highlighting the real-life implications of resistance in under-resourced settings.
• Prof. Vivian Estiapa, a lecturer of FPPS-KNUST, walked the attendees through cutting-edge research and the hope that novel solutions bring in combating resistance.
Above all, the Editorial Committee’s contributions stood out: poetry and visual artwork depicted the threat of AMR not just as a clinical issue, but as a deeply personal and societal one. Their art made the invisible threat vivid, translating microbiology into emotion and advocacy.
Certificates of participation were given to all attendees, a small token of appreciation for their time and commitment, but the real reward was in the knowledge gained and the passion sparked.
WAAW 2024 wasn’t just an event – it was a movement. And GPSA-KNUST made sure the flame was lit in every participant.
Reported by – Mordzifa Joel (Rx 26)