Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi along with Antimicrobial Stewardship Team celebrated “Antibiotics Awareness Week” from 19th November, 2019 to 23rd November, 2019. This week-long initiative has been undertaken to commemorate World Antibiotics Awareness Week which is celebrated annually from November 18- November 24 across the globe. Also, this initiative is part of the first dissemination activity of the ERASMUS plus co-funded project entitled “Risk Management and prevention of Antibiotics Resistance – PREVENT IT”. The main agenda of this initiative was to create and spread awareness amongst the students and general public on the appropriate usage of antibiotics and importance of infection control measures in hospitals.

A plethora of activities were organized during the week including expert talks, street plays, poster competition as well as quiz sessions. The target audience for expert talks were students and faculty from different backgrounds i.e. MBBS, dental, pharmacy, nursing and allied health sciences. The words of wisdom by Dr.Merlin Moni, Infection control clinical lead, set the platform for the first day. A brighter vision of the treatment options available for Carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections was given by Dr. Anup R Warrier (ID Physician, Aster Medcity, Kochi). Further, the information regarding the goals and outcomes of the PREVENT IT project was also shared (Dr. Nandita Shashindran). 

The awareness amongst the general public was made through street plays performed by pharm D students. The awareness on the management of various infections such as meningitis, bronchitis, etc was done through display of posters. The sessions were made interactive and the students were also motivated to participate in quiz competitions. The event ended with the valedictory ceremony and was a huge success in sharing the knowledge amongst people on ABR.

To access the agenda for the event, please click here!