University highlights antibiotic resistance threat
The University of Bradford is raising awareness of antibiotic resistance and the impact it may have on society in a series of events for World Antibiotic Awareness Week.
The World Health Organisation campaign runs 18-24 November and ties in with the European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD) that takes place on 18 November. The day aims to raise awareness about the threat to public health of antibiotic resistance and the importance of prudent antibiotic use.
Mrs Sandra Martin, Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice at the University said “Antibiotic awareness is everyone’s concern. In January 2019, the UK Government launched its five year national plan to tackle antimicrobial resistance and Universities must play a leading role in this. From research to education, we are creating the health care professionals of the future so we have a duty to help tackle this key public health issue.”
A cross-faculty steering group was established at the University of Bradford earlier this year to ascertain the research and teaching work that is currently being undertaken in support of the key areas identified in the government’s five year plan.*
Students and staff at the University will be showcasing the research and teaching initiatives taking place in this area. The aims of the activities are to support the idea that everyone has a part to play in reducing antimicrobial resistance.
Activities will include student-led information stands about Antimicrobial resistance and being an antibiotic guardian in the Students’ Union, DHEZ, STEM centre and Atrium during the week.
On Wednesday 20 November, 1-2pm, an inaugural Professor Kerr Microbiology lecture will be given by Prof Philip Howard, the first Pharmacist to become president of the British Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. This lecture is being established in memory of Prof Kevin Kerr, who used to hold an Honorary Chair with the University, and was renowned in the UK for his work on AMR and infection control.
Professor Philip Howard, Consultant Antimicrobial Pharmacist and President British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy said: “Greece, Italy and Romania have been warned that Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) has reached a level where it is becoming unsafe to give cancer chemotherapy, do organ transplantation or other complex surgery. AMR is the biggest threat to modern medicine. It is time for us all to act to keep antibiotics working.”
The lecture “Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) – a threat to modern medicine?” is free and open to the public but places must be booked
*Tackling antimicrobial resistance 2019-24: The UK’s five year national action plan.