Educating children on antimicrobial use instils responsible habits and attitudes early on, shaping the behaviour of future patients and caregivers
Many of us, at some point in time, knowingly or unknowingly, have taken antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription. Reason being misconceptions about the use of antimicrobial drugs.
In our rapidly advancing world, a silent menace, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), is on the rise. AMR stands as a critical global health issue, worsened by the excessive use and misuse of antibiotics, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When antibiotics are not taken as prescribed or when they are used when not needed, bacteria can adapt and become resistant, making future infections harder to treat. With the diminishing effectiveness of antibiotics, our health faces a significant threat.
If AMR is not addressed urgently, we might enter a post-antibiotic era where even minor infections could become deadly which could once be treated with antibiotics, leading to prolonged illness, increased healthcare costs, and a higher risk of spreading diseases to others. It is imperative that we recognize the seriousness of this situation and unite for collective action.
Antimicrobials are recommended only for treatment of bacterial infections and most of the viral illnesses like the common cold or flu are self-limited. However, these antibiotics are sometimes over-prescribed for viral infections either themselves or on demand of patient’s leading to unnecessary prescriptions.
Additionally, individuals might self-medicate by taking leftover antimicrobials from previous prescriptions or sharing them with others, and do not complete the full course. Such practices not only fail to cure the current illness but also contribute significantly to the development of antimicrobial resistance.
Beyond human health, antimicrobials are also used in agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture, contributing to their widespread presence in the environment.
Public education on the dangers of self-medication and the importance of responsible antimicrobial use is vital in curbing this concerning trend and preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.
Informed individuals, communities, and healthcare providers can make prudent choices, promoting judicious antibiotic use. Imagine the difference we could make if our understanding of these essential medicines started at school!
The World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW), observed every year from November 18 to 24, 2023, holds paramount importance in our global fight against AMR. The theme for this year, 'Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together', reaffirms the critical importance of local engagement and education in our collective efforts to combat AMR, as it did in 2022.
Schools, vital during formative years, promote health awareness and community bonds. Educating children on antimicrobial use instils responsible habits and attitudes early on, shaping the behaviour of future patients and caregivers. Informed children often influence family decisions and advocate for rational antimicrobial use, discouraging practices like self-medication.
Moreover, when teachers champion proper antibiotic usage, their impact ripples through students, parents, and the wider community, cultivating a culture of responsible antimicrobial use. Well-informed individuals grasp the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance, contributing significantly to the enhancement of public health.
This awareness helps reduce unnecessary antimicrobial requests, easing the burden on healthcare providers. Additionally, promoting proper hygiene in schools leads to fewer infections, ultimately decreasing the need for antimicrobial prescriptions.
The Delhi Society for the Prevention of Rational Use of Drugs (DSPRUD) organized mass campaigns for two consecutive years in Delhi Schools, supported by WHO, the Delhi Government, National Centre for Disease Control, and a targeted initiative with ECHO India.
In 2019, over 600,000 students from 1,000+ Delhi schools participated in the campaign. Adapting to the pandemic, the 2020 online campaign reached 3,500 teachers and 350,000 students.
In 2022, a focused three-month-long online campaign involved 180 teachers, emphasizing microorganisms, AMR, hygiene, and one-health practices.
The primary objective of these initiatives, engaging 221 schools (both public and private), was to raise awareness among school children and empower schoolteachers. By debunking myths, tackling misconceptions, and equipping educators with vital knowledge, this collaborative effort aims to shape a responsible generation that comprehends the significance of responsible antimicrobial use in safeguarding our communities against the escalating crisis of AMR.
These campaigns elevated AMR awareness, emphasizing the crucial role teachers play in shaping young minds. These teachers both in public and private schools, driven by a shared curiosity, delved into the multifaceted dimensions of AMR during the campaign.
The sessions were more than just informative; they were transformative. We navigated through the complexities of AMR, exploring the modes of transmission, emphasizing infection prevention strategies such as water and food safety, sanitation, and hygiene. Myths surrounding antibiotic usage were unravelled and highlighted the critical link between human health, animal health, and our environment.
One of the campaign’s key revelations centred around breaking the transmission chain of communicable diseases, the significance of vaccinations, the role of cleaning and disinfection, and the necessity of adhering to prescriptions. Additionally, a session was conducted in collaboration with World Animal Protection, sensitising students about antibiotic use in animals to enhance growth and improve feed efficiency and how it enters the food chain.
Also, emphasized on the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, and the holistic ‘One Health’ approach to address this complex issue of AMR. Balancing the promotion of animal health with responsible antimicrobial use is crucial to safeguard public health and maintain a sustainable environment.
This campaign marked not just the end of a three-month journey, but the beginning of a collective mission. Educators now stand armed with knowledge, ready to empower their students with the wisdom needed to combat AMR. As we nurture a generation equipped with understanding and awareness, we pave the way for a future where antibiotics are used judiciously, ensuring a healthier, safer tomorrow for us all.
By embracing the community empowerment and responsible use, we can collectively work towards a future where antimicrobials remain effective, ensuring a healthier and safer world for generations to come.
Views expressed are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth.
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