Impact Beyond AWARE: Dr. Giovanna Osei

At AWARE Ghana, our strength lies in the dedication and hard work of our amazing members. Today, we shine the spotlight on an inspiring leader Dr. Giovanna Osei of the Media and Publications Committee. Her commitment to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) advocacy has left a lasting impact, and we are proud to celebrate her contributions during this year’s World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) campaign at Ridge Hospital.

Giovanna played a key role in organizing and executing impactful activities that spread awareness about AMR. With a vision to educate and engage, she led multiple initiatives, including educational sessions at the outpatient department (OPD) and wards, where patients and caregivers received vital information about antimicrobial resistance. These sessions ensured that people understood the importance of appropriate antibiotic use and the consequences of misuse.

Taking awareness beyond the hospital, Giovanna and her team extended their efforts to the Adabraka market, where they engaged local traders in meaningful discussions about AMR and health literacy. The outreach was met with enthusiasm, as market women welcomed the team warmly, asked thoughtful questions, and even encouraged them to return periodically for further education. The community granted the team access to the market’s information center, allowing their message to reach an even larger audience.

Another highlight of the campaign was the creation of educational pamphlets and placards. Giovanna took special pride in designing these materials, ensuring that they communicated key messages about AMR. Seeing them printed and actively used throughout the campaign was incredibly rewarding for her.

With a dedicated team and strong mentorship, Giovanna’s efforts reached over 500 people, with more than 300 handouts shared. Her passion for health education was evident as she turned ideas into a well-executed campaign, ensuring lasting awareness among the community.

Reflecting on the campaign, Giovanna shared her thoughts:

“Planning and executing this year’s WAAW campaign at Ridge Hospital was an incredibly fulfilling experience. Seeing our ideas come to life and witnessing the community’s engagement reinforced the power of education in driving change. One of the highlights for me was the outreach at Adabraka market—the women were so eager to learn and even invited us to return regularly. Their enthusiasm was a testament to the importance of continuous health education.”

She extended her gratitude to her amazing colleagues—Vivian Somuah, Dr. Annane Emmanuel, Caleb Twumasi Appiah, Crispin Minia, and PharmD Benjamin Wilson—who played a crucial role in making the campaign a success. Additionally, she acknowledged her mentor, Dr. (Pharm) Ewurabena Ansah, whose support and guidance enabled her to bring this initiative to life.

Giovanna’s story is a reminder that small efforts can create a ripple effect in public health. Her commitment to AMR advocacy and community engagement is an inspiration to us all. We celebrate her impact and look forward to more initiatives that will drive health education and awareness.

Well done, Giovanna! Your work embodies the spirit of AWARE Ghana, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

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