An Enugu based Non-Governmental organisation (NGO), Art for Health Naija has begun Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) campaign in Enugu using art exhibition to raise awareness on antimicrobials and promote responsible antibiotics use.
It was reported that microbial are bacteria, viruses and fungi. There are also microbes called protozoa.
These are tiny living things that are responsible for diseases such as toxoplasmosis and malaria.
The programme which held at the Centre For Memorie, Enugu State was titled “Microbe Madness”.
It was organised by Art for Health Naija in partnership with the Breakthrough Action, Stories That Maters, UKAMP Studio for Art and Craft, Centre for Memories and Media.
It also reported that AMR refers to the phenomenon where organisms such as viruses and parasites become unresponsive to standard treatments and medications.
It emerged as a critical global health threat, severely undermining the effectiveness of antibiotics to combat infections and diseases.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified AMR as one of the top 10 global health threats.
Chidera-Rosecamille Aneke, a Freelance Health Journalist and a Convener, emphasised the importance of adopting preventive practices such as regular hand washing, self-medication, adhering to prescribed medications, and getting vaccinated to prevent the onset of diseases.
She explained that the programme was part of global Anti-Microbe Resistance Awareness Week, which was being observed worldwide to sensitise Nigerians on dangers of AMR.
“This week is Anti-Microbe Resistance awareness week. It is marked worldwide to help raise awareness around this global issue,” she stated.
Aneke said, “This is what happens when organisms like viruses and parasites are no longer responding to the medicine used to treat them, and this is a big issue for you and I.
“The event aimed to present this message in an engaging manner, featuring an art exhibition, games related to microbes, and other enjoyable activities designed to captivate attendees and foster understanding”.
To further drive the initiative, Aneke announced that AMR clubs were being established in universities and colleges to promote ongoing awareness among students.
Mr Lesue Udoh, Technical Programme Assistant, RCCE, Breakthrough Action-Nigeria, added that Microbe madness was a blend of creativity using art to critically highlight the public health challenge of AMR.
We brought a lot of young people to play their role in fighting AMR as this week is dedicated for this cause.
“Everyone has a role to play,” he said.
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