The Bangladesh Society of Microbiologists (BSM) has recently organized a week-long awareness campaign in observance of the World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week (WAAW).
The WAAW is celebrated globally from November 18–24 under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO).
This initiative aimed to raise awareness about AMR and promote responsible antimicrobial practices, said a press release on Saturday.
Aligning with the global theme – Educate, Advocate, Act Now – BSM introduced its tagline for the campaign: “Together Against AMR: Awareness, Action, and Impact.”
Students from the Department of Microbiology at the University of Dhaka and Brac University spearheaded an outreach campaign in ten schools across Dhaka city.
They engaged participants through oral presentations, Q and A sessions, and the distribution of informative flyers, spreading awareness about the dangers of AMR.
The campaign culminated in a symposium held at the Anwarul Azim Chowdhury Lecture Gallery, Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka.
The event featured insightful presentations by three eminent speakers: Professor Md Tanvir Rahman (Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bangladesh Agricultural University) discussed AMR from an animal health perspective. Dr Shaheda Anwar (Department of Microbiology and Immunology, BSMMU, Dhaka) highlighted the human health implications of AMR. Dr Mohammad Tarequl Islam elaborated on the evolutionary trajectories of AMR pathogens with pandemic potential.
The event opened with an address by Dr Munirul Alam, President of BSM, who emphasized the society's commitment to promoting antimicrobial stewardship.
Professor Dr Shah Monir Hossain, Team Lead of the Fleming Fund Country Grant Bangladesh, served as the special guest and shared his team’s ongoing efforts in AMR containment.
The chief guest, Professor Dr Md Akhter Hossain Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, commended BSM’s impactful initiatives, expressing satisfaction with the society’s contributions toward combating AMR.
A panel discussion moderated by Professor Dr Sangita Ahmed fostered meaningful engagement between experts and the audience, culminating in actionable recommendations.
In his concluding speech, Professor Dr Muhammad Manjurul Karim, General Secretary of BSM, summarized the recommendations to aid policymakers and the media in influencing national strategies on antimicrobial stewardship.
He extended his gratitude to the Seminar Working Group of BSM for organizing the event and to Professor Shakila N Khan, Chairperson of the Department of Microbiology, for hosting the symposium.