Hyderabad recently vibrated with energy as over 200 enthusiastic individuals gathered for the ‘Race Against Resistance – AMR Awareness 4K Challenge’. This unique event on Sunday aimed to cast a spotlight on the serious issue of antibiotic misuse and overuse, engaging the community in a meaningful way.
Organized jointly by the renowned L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) and the innovative Superheroes Against Superbugs initiative, the challenge ingeniously combined physical activity with crucial health education. Participants didn’t just run; they tackled puzzles designed to deepen their understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), making learning both active and memorable. This impactful event also served as an important prelude to the upcoming World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), an annual global observance from November 18 to 24 dedicated to advocating for the responsible use of antibiotics.
During the event, Dr. Prashant Garg, the executive chairperson of LVPEI, delivered a stern warning about the widespread and indiscriminate use of antibiotics, calling it a significant threat to community health. He strongly advised against purchasing medications over the counter and urged everyone to avoid taking antibiotics without a doctor’s explicit prescription. Dr. Garg also stressed the critical importance of completing the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, noting that ‘stopping midway only fuels resistance.’