In recognition of World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week in November 2024, teams of dentists, NHS staff, clinicians, and vets across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West are working together to encourage young people to think about what could happen if we overuse antibiotics.

The 2024 awareness week theme is ‘Educate, advocate and act now’.

Rachael Corser, NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board chief nursing officer, said, “AMR isn’t a phrase that rolls off the tongue, yet the importance of raising awareness and acting now to change the situation is one of the NHS’s key goals.”

The team has launched a creative arts competition for individuals aged five to 25 attending school, college or university in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, or Berkshire West.

Participants can enter their story, poster or TikTok (if aged 13+) video about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the problems that can arise.

Each age group winner will have their artwork displayed in hospital waiting areas and future promotions to raise awareness across communities.

In humans, there are several contributing factors to AMR:

  • Over-prescribing for viral infections, like colds or flu
  • People who stop taking antibiotics when they feel better instead of finishing the full course
  • Anyone who keeps old medicines and takes them without the advice of a healthcare professional

Rachael added, “By offering young people the chance to get involved in a creative way means we have a better chance of redressing the balance and creating a future generation of antibiotic aware adults.”

For more information visit https://staywell-bob.nhs.uk/community-offers/

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