Part of the project team and the Headteacher (centre) with the winners at Kawotto Saviours Primary School.
Written by Joseph Odoi and Grace Biyinzika Lubega
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health challenge that necessitates everybody’s efforts to minimize its worrying threats to modern medicine. In September 2019, the project titled “Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in Wakiso district” implemented by Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) and Nottingham Trent University (NTU) in partnership with Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust (UK), Makerere University Pharmacy Department, Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital, Wakiso District Local Government, and Ministry of Health launched a primary schools’ competition on AMR awareness in 2 primary schools in Wakiso district. The competition at Kawotto Saviors and St. Theresa Primary Schools was aimed at increasing awareness on AMR, and ensuring prevention strategies among pupils are taken.
On 20th February 2020, the project team visited the 2 schools to award the 4 winners of the competition. The winners were: Alvin Aaron Asiimwe (St. Theresa) - for the best poster which was colorful and engaging, as well as covered the importance of handwashing and advised pupils not to share antibiotics nor self-medicate; Johnson Loduku and Atim Elizabeth (Kawotto Savior) - for the best video on advice on preventing infection, including a fabulous performance of the ABC song while demonstrating the proper handwashing technique; and Demelo Omongi (Kawotto Savior) - for the most informative video on hand washing, avoiding self-medication, visiting a health facility when sick, taking medicine as prescribed, what antibiotics do, and embracing the proper use of antibiotics.
The award giving ceremonies took place at the school assembly grounds and were attended by over 300 and 350 pupils from St. Theresa and Kawotto Saviors primary schools respectively. During the awarding ceremony, the Uganda project team led by Dr. David Musoke from Makerere University School of Public Health addressed the pupils on consequences of AMR such as prolonged sickness, missing of classes, increased medical costs, and failure to play with friends due to being bedridden. He therefore strongly encouraged the pupils to ask their parents to take them for medical checkups when they fell sick, and not to share medicine with other family members.
Each of the winners presented their winning submission before their respective school assembly, and received an award of 25 Great Britain Pounds, a young antibiotic guardian T shirt, and certificate for their participation in the competition. This created excitement and joy among their fellow pupils.
Mrs. Sarah Kagoda, the head teacher of St. Theresa Primary School commended Makerere University and its partners for including them in such an educative programme.
“We are so happy that St. Theresa has been given a chance to participate in this programme, and as you can see all the pupils want to be like Alvin (the winner) next time. Such competitions make the science subject interesting for the children and hence pass it at UNEB. Thank you so much and we hope you come back.” She said.
In his conclusive remarks Mr. Sebukuye, the head teacher at Kawotto Saviors primary school thanked Makerere University, UK team, and other partners for supporting the school to address AMR.
“This is a great initiative for the young generation and I hope the School of Public Health and their Uganda and UK partners continue working with us to create awareness on anti-microbial resistance. I am so happy and may God bless you”, he added in an uncontainable gratitude.
The project is funded by the Commonwealth Partnerships for Antimicrobial Stewardship Scheme (CwPAMs), an initiative of the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) and Tropical Health Education Trust (THET) under the Fleming Fund of the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
