Aligarh: The Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) awareness week is being celebrated at the Aligarh Muslim University, with special focus on raising awareness and understanding of AMR among common people and promoting best practices among health stakeholders to reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections.
The Department of Agricultural Microbiology organised an awareness programme and a one-day workshop on “Environmental Antimicrobial Resistance” under the Indo-UK collaborative AMR Project, “SELECTAR”, undertaken by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.
The chief guest and the keynote speaker, Professor Kasturi Mukhopadhaya, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi stated that the programme is directly linked to the efforts made by international bodies in organizing awareness programme for common people and to urge scientists and researchers to work in collaboration on AMR and related global problem of public health.
The Guest of Honour, Dr. Nagma Abbasi, CEO, NextGen Life Sciences, New Delhi and an alumna of the university, acknowledged the progress of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences over the last decade and urged the students to acquire new knowledge and skills needed for innovation and entrepreneurship development. She assured of her assistance in organising hands-on training for the students to help them get better job prospects and carry out quality research.
Prof Asadullah Khan (Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, AMU) delivered a talk on “Environmental impact on the emergence of antimicrobial Resistance: A global threat”. With the help of available data, he highlighted the need for monitoring AMR prevalence using molecular tools and linkages of AMR genes with virulence genes. He said that their dissemination from environment to public must be explored for better understanding and combating AMR.
Prof. Fatima Khan (Department of Microbiology, J.N. Medical College) spoke on “Antimicrobial Stewardship: One health approach” and highlighted the common mistakes we do in antibiotic misuse both in clinics and agriculture. She stressed the need for developing Agriculture and environmental Stewardship for combating AMR.
Prof. Akram A. Khan, Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences appreciated the initiative and stressed the relevance of organizing such awareness programmes to make people aware of the serious threat that is caused to their health due to adverse drug reactions and antimicrobeal resistance.
Earlier, welcoming the guests, the Organising Secretary and Chairman of the department, Prof Iqbal Ahmad presented a brief introduction of the Department of Agricultural Microbiology and its contribution to innovative research and training.
He said that about 40 students from different departments at AMU and from other institutions like Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Hamdard, MJP Rohilkhand University and Sher-e-Kashmir University attended the workshop.
The Guest of Honour, Dr Naghma Abbasi, along with the co-organizing secretaries, Prof. Abdul Malik, Prof Mohd Saghir Khan and Dr Shams Tabrez Khan, felicitated the workshop coordinators, Dr. Kamal Shrivstava and Dr Largee Biswas, and the respective first, second and third prize winners of the poster presentation event, Dr Samreen (AMU), Mr. Vikar Ahmad (JMI, New Delhi) and Mr. Shirjeel Ahmad Siddiqui.
Prof Mohd Saghir Khan, Co-organizing Secretary extended a vote of thanks. Sara Ahmad Khan and Shaikh Iqra conducted the inaugural session
The Department of Ilmul Advia organized lectures and other awareness events over the last one week to mark the World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week 2024 on the theme, “Educate, Advocate, Act Now”.
Prof. Asad U. Khan spoke on “Antimicrobial Resistance: Silent Pandemic” emphasising the interconnected roles of human, animal, and environmental health in addressing AMR.
Prof. Fatima Khan delivered a lecture on “Antimicrobial Stewardship: Our role in combating resistance and shaping the future.” She highlighted the importance of responsible antibiotic use.
Prof. Abdul Latif, former Chairman, Department of Ilmul Advia spoke on “Unani Herbal Antibiotic/Antimicrobial Medicines: A need of the day,” focusing on the sustainable solutions offered by Unani medicine in combating AMR.
Prof. Mohammad Owais from the Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, addressed the “Role of Immunostimulants in Combating AMR,” explaining how boosting immunity can reduce dependency on antibiotics.
A poster-making competition was held for the undergraduate and postgraduate students to test their understanding of AMR. Prof. Badrudduja Khan, Principal, Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College and the guest speaker Prof. Mohammad Owais gave away prizes and certificates to the winners of the poster competition. Asiya Masoom secured the first prize, while Dr. Abdullah Faizul Hasan and Karima Anees won the second and third prizes, respectively. Sara Aijaz got the consolation prize. A total of 14 students participated in the event.
