World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week 2024: Our impact and progress
- Aware Ghana
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest health threats of our time. If we don’t act now, it’s projected that by 2050, one person will die every three seconds due to AMR………that’s 10 million lives lost each year.
The overuse and misuse of antibiotics are fueling this crisis, and in Ghana, the situation is alarming. Studies show that over 70% of commonly used antibiotics are no longer effective against many bacterial infections. This means routine infections could become untreatable, and simple medical procedures could become life-threatening.
That’s where AWARE Ghana comes in. We’re a team of tertiary students led by passionate young healthcare professionals dedicated to spreading awareness and inspiring change. And during World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) 2024, we went all in!
What We Achieved During WAAW 2024
Pledge Wall Campaign💙 We set up pledge walls at universities across Ghana, encouraging students to commit to using antibiotics responsibly. We received 500+ pledges from students at the University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast, and the University for Development Studies. Each pledge represents an individual taking responsibility for their antibiotic use—choosing to follow prescriptions correctly, avoid self-medication, and spread awareness within their circles.
Go Blue on Social Media📱 To amplify our message, we launched the global Go Blue campaign, where our members turned their social media profiles blue and shared impactful content on AMR. Through posts, reels, and infographics, we reached hundreds of people online, sparking discussions about AMR and why it matters.
Talks with Pharmacy Students💊 Pharmacists play a key role in antibiotic stewardship, so we engaged pharmacy students at the University of Ghana, Legon in an interactive session about how to communicate with patients about AMR. We discussed real-life scenarios, provided practical tips, and emphasized the importance of educating patients on proper antibiotic use. These future pharmacists are now better equipped to advocate for responsible antibiotic use in their careers.
AMR Informative Video Challenge🎬 We encouraged students to get creative with an AMR informative video challenge, where they produced short, engaging videos on AMR and antibiotic stewardship. The challenge helped students break down complex AMR topics in fun and relatable ways, making it easier for their peers to understand. These videos will continue to be valuable educational tools beyond WAAW.
AMR Awareness at the Night Market🛍️ Taking the message beyond lecture halls, we engaged students and vendors at the Legon Night Market in conversations about AMR. Many people were unaware of the dangers of antibiotic misuse, so we explained how practices like buying antibiotics without prescriptions contribute to resistance. By making the discussion informal and relatable, we helped change mindsets and encouraged responsible health choices.
What’s Next?Moving forward, we plan to:
We aim to increase community outreach by hosting more events in markets, hospitals, and public spaces. We’ll continue to educate people where they are, making information on AMR more accessible.
Strengthen AWARE Ghana’s Visibility and Impact – By partnering with student organizations, healthcare professionals, and local media, we plan to reach more people and ensure AMR awareness remains a priority throughout the year.
Empower the Next Generation of AMR Champions – Through mentorship and training programs, we want to equip more students and young professionals with the knowledge and skills to advocate for AMR awareness.
Will you join us in the fight against AMR?
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