Freetown, Sierra Leone – March 14, 2025 – In a bid to strengthen efforts against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with support from The Fleming Fund Country Grant, the Ministry of Health National AMR unit in collaboration WHO convened AMR awareness raising session including panel discussions, involving AMR experts, students, and policymakers, drug regulatory bodies, lecturers, media, and youth leaders on climate and gender. . This innovation attracted over 500 students and staff of the Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) and College of Medicines and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS). The event, organized as part of the lead-up to World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) 2025, emphasized the theme “Educate. Advocate. Act Now.” 

The discussion focused on the growing global health threat posed by AMR and the urgent need for responsible antimicrobial and preventing AMR using a One Health approach, linking human, animal, and environmental health to tackle AMR effectively. Panelists included leading healthcare professionals, microbiologists, and public health advocates.

The experts underscored the role of educators and academic institutions, but particularly the various roles future pharmacists, clinicians, public health, laboratorian, animal health, environmental health professionals and the general population, who are the future prescribers, and users of antibiotics—in combating AMR. With the firm we believe that we can achieve the necessary behavioural change, through awareness-raising campaigns, education, and training programmes through academic institutions. These interventions enable progress towards meaningful change, where the behaviours that contribute to the problem are replaced with behaviours that are part of the solution.

Students actively participated, engaging with experts on antimicrobial stewardship, policy implications, and best practices. The event also sets the stage for promoting AMR curriculum integration and student champions at various academic institutions aimed at fostering stronger cross-sector collaboration and contribution to the nation effort on combating AMR.

With AMR posing a growing threat worldwide, such discussions serve as a crucial step in raising awareness and inspiring action among the next generation of healthcare professionals.