McPherson University joined the global community to commemorate the 2024 World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week, with the theme: “Educate, Advocate, Act Now.” The event was organized by the Medical Laboratory Science Department and featured a series of activities aimed at raising awareness, educating participants, and encouraging immediate action against the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

The program commenced with an AMR Awareness Walk involving staff and students, mainly from the Medical Laboratory Science Department, in the College of Allied Health Sciences. The walk, which took place on campus, was followed by a live radio talk and interview at the University’s Radio Station, where experts emphasized the urgency of combating AMR.

The highlight of the event was a public lecture titled “Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: Issues of Urgency to Educate, Advocate, and Act Now.” In her opening remarks, Prof. Airauhi Unu Lucy, Dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences, called on students and other participants to actively join the advocacy against AMR. Similarly, the Ag. Registrar, Mr. Olufemi Adebowale, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francis Igbasan, urged participants to pay close attention and become active in spreading awareness and implementing measures to combat AMR.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Paul Akinduti, a lecturer from the Department of Medical Laboratory Science at Babcock University. Dr. Akinduti explained the critical goal of the campaign, “To raise awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promote best practices to reduce the spread of drug-resistant infections.” He emphasized the importance of the One Health Approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health for optimal outcomes.

At the close of the event, Dr. Adewale Oke, the Ag. Head, Medical Laboratory Science Department, remarked, that the significance of the World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) ha become imperative and strong advocacy must be activated head-on. He further appreciated the Management and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francis Igbasan, for the assistance given to the Department to make this year’s awareness a success. Dr. Oke further appreciated all Directors, Deans, Heads of Departments, including Staff and Students for honouring the invitation.

The 2024 AMR Awareness Week at McPherson University reinforces the Institution’s commitment to combating antimicrobial resistance through education, advocacy, and immediate action. Participants left the event empowered to champion the fight against this global health threat.