Antimicrobial Resistance under the microscope at international awards
Award for RCaH Scientist celebrating global fight against antimicrobial resistance
STRUBI scientist Dr Orode Aniejurengho received a commendable Antibiotic Guardian award in the public engagement category on behalf of the team she led for the ‘Me You and The Superbugs’ project in this year’s Antibiotic Guardian awards. This recognised her and her teams work in 2018 in raising awareness of antibiotic resistance among healthcare professionals, scientists and general members of the public in the city of Lagos Nigeria. Following the event, 86% of participants said their views about antibiotic use changed. With only 10% of participants prior to the event reporting awareness of antibiotic resistance, there is still much to be done. The work was part-funded by a Royal Society of Biology Week grant. Dr Aniejurengho works in the lab of Professor James H Naismith.
Dr Aniejurengho, said:
“At our event, using easy to source props, the team and I showcased the science of superbugs and increased knowledge about antibiotic resistance. Many people have now signed up as Antibiotic Guardians and requested that the event be held again in 2019. The Antibiotic Guardian campaign fosters a sense of individual responsibility to help reduce the spread of infections worldwide.
Nigeria like countries around the world faces serious problems with drug resistant bacteria. I wanted to give something back to the place where I was born, no matter how small, by using my skills as a scientist and a communicator (STEM Ambassador). I hope to receive funding to organise events during World Antibiotic Awareness Week in November 2019 in Lagos and Oyo States, in Nigeria. I want to thank the local volunteers, speakers and organising team both in the UK and Nigeria. The award is a great encouragement for what was a steep learning curve for us all”
Professor Naismith, said:
“Antibiotic resistance is everyone’s concern, the O’Neil report highlighted the scale of the disaster that it poses to human life. This project is entirely Orode’s and her teams work, this project by raising awareness and building capacity will save lives. She has worked closely with colleagues in Nigeria and the UK to do something very special. We are all proud of her.”
Notes
Antibiotic Guardian awards are part of the ongoing Antibiotic Guardian campaign which is led by Public Health England in collaboration with UK devolved administrations and professional bodies.
The Antibiotic Guardian campaign aims to increase commitment and raise awareness among the public and healthcare professionals about how we can slow the development of resistant bacteria and cut overuse and unnecessary use of antibiotics. Without effective antibiotics many routine treatments will become increasingly dangerous.
The prize event was held in Birmingham, June 27th, 2019, co-organised by 4 All of Us, was attended by healthcare organisations across England, Scotland, Wales, Europe & Asia, who had all submitted entries and then shortlisted for their achievements in work to help combat antibiotic resistance and protect antibiotic usage. Award categories included Animal Health, Community Engagement, Diagnostics, Innovation, Prescribing and Research. Chief Veterinary Officer for the UK, Christine Middlemiss, was honorary guest for the evening on hand to present the awards alongside Dr Diane Ashiru-Oredope (Lead for the Antibiotic Guardian campaign and Lead Pharmacist for the AMR Programme at Public Health England)