The Bangladesh Society of Microbiologists (BSM) recently observed World AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance) Awareness Week (WAAW) celebrated globally from November 18-24, 2024, under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Aligned with the international theme, “Educate. Advocate. Act Now,” BSM urges collaborative efforts to address one of the most pressing threats to public health. Their week-long awareness campaign included organizing a symposium and outreach activities that aimed at tackling the escalating global health crisis of drug-resistant infections and promoting responsible antimicrobial practices.
Experts at the symposium at the Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka highlighted the potential of alternative therapies to curb antibiotic reliance. Cutting-edge solutions such as phage therapy, natural antimicrobials, probiotics, and prebiotics were discussed as sustainable alternatives to combat the alarming rise in resistant pathogens.
Strengthening AMR surveillance systems also emerged as a priority. Proposed measures included digital monitoring dashboards, point prevalence studies, and the adoption of a “One Health” framework that integrates human, animal, and environmental health to track resistance trends comprehensively.
Rationalizing antibiotic use took centre stage, with a focus on optimizing dosing regimens, reducing overdiagnosis, and encouraging prescriptions of narrow-spectrum antibiotics. The implementation of cascade reporting systems to guide clinicians in choosing effective treatments was strongly recommended.
Public education campaigns were another critical aspect, with proposals for leveraging social media and visual cues -- such as distinct packaging logos -- to discourage misuse of antibiotics, as opined by Dr Shaheda Anwar, Associate Professor of BSM Medical University, Dhaka.
Professor Tanvir Rahman of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh presented detailed factors of the environmental contributors that promoted AMR. Professor Rahman elucidated the irrational use of antibiotics and their improper disposal, including the role of migratory birds in spreading resistant genes expressing the pressing concerns.
The symposium called for a robust and sustainable waste management practice and stressed the need for further research on the environmental reservoirs and transmission of resistance, ensuring a holistic approach to tackle the AMR challenges.
AMR’s economic and policy dimensions were also addressed. Strengthening regulatory frameworks for antibiotics, stabilizing supply chains, and developing governance mechanisms were among the key recommendations. Increased investment in AMR research and antimicrobial stewardship programs was strongly emphasized as being essential to achieve sustained impact. These efforts, participants argued, would not only reduce healthcare burdens but also bolster resilience against emerging resistance threats.
Recognizing AMR’s global nature, the symposium emphasized the need for cross-sector collaboration to foster innovation in resistance research. Studying local bacterial strains and resistance mechanisms was highlighted as a pathway to develop tailored, context-specific strategies to curb AMR in Bangladesh and beyond.
Additionally, the students from the Department of Microbiology at the University of Dhaka and Brac University under the auspices of BSM spearheaded an outreach campaign in ten schools across Dhaka city. They engaged participants through oral presentations, Q&A sessions, and the distribution of informative flyers, effectively spreading awareness about the dangers of AMR.
Through its initiatives during AMR awareness week, BSM has spotlighted the urgency of collective action. As encapsulated in its tagline, “Together Against AMR: Awareness, Action, and Impact,” the fight against AMR demands united efforts from all sectors of the society. Protecting lives and safeguarding the efficacy of antibiotics for future generations hinges on this shared commitment.
Munirul Alam, Senior Scientist, icddr,b, and President, BSM. Muhammad Manjurul Karim, Professor, University of Dhaka, and General Secretary, BSM. Shakila Nargis Khan, Professor, University of Dhaka, and Executive Committee member, BSM. Sangita Ahmed, Professor, University of Dhaka, and Executive Committee member, BSM. Anamica Hossain, Lecturer, University of Dhaka, and Member, BSM. Spencer Mark Mondol, Lecturer, University of Dhaka, and Member, BSM.
