Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we embrace the final quarter of 2024, we are excited to share a wealth of updates and initiatives from The Global Antibiotic Resistance Foundation. Our commitment to combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is stronger than ever, and we are grateful for your continued support in our mission to promote responsible antibiotic use and safeguard public health.
Collaborative Efforts in Africa and India
New Partnerships on the Horizon
TGARF is actively working to establish cooperation agreements (MOUs) with student campuses and medical universities in both Africa and India. These collaborations are vital as they will enhance our educational outreach efforts and amplify our impact in raising awareness about AMR. By partnering with local institutions, we aim to create a network of advocates who can help disseminate knowledge and best practices surrounding antibiotic stewardship.
Outreach Initiatives in Africa
We are thrilled to announce our partnership with OAZIS in Kigali, Africa! Our dedicated team of medical student volunteers has commenced local outreach initiatives, visiting health centers to educate patients about the critical importance of antibiotic stewardship. In just one week, our volunteers have reached hundreds of patients, equipping them with essential knowledge about responsible antibiotic use and hygiene practices that can mitigate the development of AMR.
Our outreach efforts focus on two primary objectives:
- Educating about Proper Antimicrobial Usage: We emphasize the importance of taking antibiotics only when prescribed and completing the full course to prevent the development of resistant strains.
- Promoting Hygiene Practices: We provide practical guidance on hygiene measures, such as handwashing and safe food preparation, which are crucial in preventing infections and reducing reliance on antibiotics.
Together, we can make a difference by promoting antibiotic resistance stewardship and educating communities on responsible antibiotic use. Let’s join hands in protecting our health and the health of future generations!
TGARF during World AMR Awareness Week
During the month November, we are participating in the WORLD AMR AWARENESS WEEK with focus on Africa.
According to WHO, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is among the top 10 global health threats. World AMR Awareness Week 2024 (WAAW), themed “Educate – Advocate – Act now,” happens November 18-24. Various activities are carried out by stakeholders across the world, including but not limited to educational workshops, community outreach, online campaigns, and media discussions.
This is a personal invitation for you to join the online campaign organized by a network of one health stakeholders across Africa.
If you are based in Africa then please join the regional online campaign to raise awareness of the proper use of antimicrobials and the threat it poses when antimicrobials are misused. The WAAW24 message will be spread in four languages: English, French, Swahili and Kinyarwanda. With our support, our partners will produce around 1000 posters.
The plan is that there also will be a workshop with local radio- and TV talks during the campaign.
Innovative Educational Programs
Future Online AMR Education Tool
In our ongoing discussions with Indian institutes and universities, we are exploring the potential for an innovative online AMR education tool. This program aims to enhance our collaborative efforts in educating communities about antibiotic stewardship and the critical role it plays in public health. The online platform will provide accessible resources, interactive modules, and training sessions to equip healthcare professionals and students with the knowledge they need to combat AMR effectively.
Engagement with Local Communities
In addition to our educational programs, we are committed to engaging local communities through workshops and seminars. These events will serve as platforms for dialogue and knowledge sharing, allowing participants to voice their concerns and experiences related to antibiotic use and resistance. Our goal is to foster a community-driven approach to tackling AMR, where individuals feel empowered to take action.
Recent Blog Highlights
Our latest blog posts cover a range of topics related to AMR, including:
- Educating the next generation about antibiotic resistance: resources and tips.
- Building Immunity through food: a natural defence against antibiotic resistance.
- Triclosan: the soap controversy and its impact on antibiotic resistance.
We invite you to read, share, and engage with our content to help spread awareness!
Stay Updated with Our Newsletter
In our upcoming newsletters, we will continue to share highlights of our activities over the past two months, including insightful updates on our outreach programs and partnerships. We encourage you to check our website for the latest blogs and articles that delve deeper into the subjects we are passionate about.