Young healthcare professionals: A frontline force against antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most critical global health challenges of our time and the situation is projected to worsen in the foreseeable future if no action to reverse the trend is taken. It has the potential to undo decades of progress in medicine and public health. The stakes are as high in Rwanda. The AMR National Action Plan 2.0, which was launched last month, underscores the urgency of addressing the crisis and has outlined strategic interventions to mitigate its devastating impact. Tackling AMR, however, will require harnessing the energy and innovation of young healthcare professionals and youth organizations. The numbers are sobering. Globally, 4.95 million deaths in 2019 were associated with drug-resistant infections, with 1.27 million directly attributed to AMR. Children under five bear a significant burden, accounting for one in five of these deaths. In Rwanda, AMR was responsible for 2,400 deaths in 2019 and associated with 9,800 more, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. AMR’s impact extends beyond health. If left unchecked, it threatens to derail economic progress, potentially pushing millions into poverty. The pathogens most responsible for AMR-related deaths in Rwanda – such as Klebsiella Pneumoniae, Staphylococcus Aureus, and Escherichia Coli – cause severe infections, including bloodstream and respiratory conditions. They are not merely medical challenges. They are societal issues and demand collective action. Youth organizations in public health and young healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to drive change. During World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), in late November, organizations like the Rwanda Pharmaceutical Students' Association, in collaboration with the Vennue Foundation, and AMR Initiative Rwanda demonstrated what is possible. Through public education campaigns and advocacy, they raised awareness about AMR’s dangers and the steps everyone can take to combat it. As a public health professional, I have seen the transformative power of youth-led initiatives. The efforts are not just about spreading awareness; they are about empowering individuals to act. For instance, educating the public on the importance of adhering to prescribed antibiotics, avoiding self-medication, and recognizing the dangers of counterfeit drugs can significantly reduce the misuse of antimicrobials – a key driver of resistance. Young professionals, moreover, can leverage technology and innovation to enhance AMR surveillance and response. In Rwanda, there is an urgent need to improve data collection and analysis related to AMR. By using mobile health tools, artificial intelligence, and community health platforms, the youth can help bridge data gaps, ensuring that interventions are evidence-based and targeted. Policy advocacy is another area where youth can make a substantial impact. The AMR National Action Plan 2.0 provides a roadmap, but its success hinges on effective implementation. Young leaders can work with policymakers to prioritize funding for AMR initiatives, strengthen laboratory capacities, and integrate AMR education into school curricula. Their voices can amplify the call for accountability and action. No single entity can tackle AMR alone. Youth organizations must collaborate with academic institutions, healthcare facilities, and international bodies to scale their impact. For example, partnerships with research institutions can provide access to cutting-edge knowledge and tools, while working with local health centers can ensure that interventions reach those who need them most. Equally important is fostering a culture of stewardship among the general population. Youth-led campaigns emphasize the shared responsibility of combating AMR. Simple actions, such as practicing good hygiene, completing prescribed antibiotic courses, and supporting local policies aimed at reducing resistance, can collectively make a difference. The fight against AMR also requires addressing broader determinants of health. Access to clean water, improved sanitation, and robust healthcare systems are critical in reducing the spread of infections and the need for antibiotics. Youth organizations can champion these causes, linking AMR to broader sustainable development goals. Lastly, the next generation of healthcare professionals must be equipped to lead the fight. Mentorship programmes, scholarships, and training opportunities focused on AMR can build a cadre of informed and passionate advocates. By investing in their education and professional development, Rwanda will have the capacity to tackle AMR now and in the future. The challenge of AMR is daunting. But it is not insurmountable. Young healthcare professionals and youth organizations have already shown potential to be powerful agents of change. With the right support, their efforts can help turn the tide against AMR and preserve the efficacy of life-saving medicines. The author is a public health professional and board chairperson, AMR Initiative Rwanda.

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Young healthcare professionals: A frontline force against antimicrobial resistance