The College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Arabian Gulf University (AGU) recently hosted an awareness event observing World Antimicrobial Resistance Week. The initiative aimed to enhance understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promote best practices among students, faculty, and the broader community. The event coincided with international efforts to combat this pressing global health issue, with participation of the WHO Country Office in Bahrain, adding regional insights and expertise.

Organised by the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, the event carried the slogan "Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future" where faculty and students collaborated to deliver an engaging awareness agenda for attendees. Through these activities, participants deepened their understanding of the rising global threat posed by AMR and learned about the crucial role of healthcare professionals in addressing this issue.

The event featured interactive educational stations and evidence-based discussions stressing the importance of rational antibiotic use and the necessity of collaborative efforts to preserve the effectiveness of this vital medication.

Students expressed appreciation for the educational and professional value of the event, highlighting the direct relevance of AMR to their future clinical practice and scientific research.

Dr Abdullah Alsaleh, Head of the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, noted that the strong student turnout demonstrated a collective sense of responsibility towards global health issues, stating, “The level of enthusiasm and participation we observed are truly heartening. The students’ commitment to learning, alongside the support the event received from the university’s regional partners, encourages us to continue organising similar initiatives in the future.”

This successful event reaffirms AGU’s dedication to cultivating a conscious and capable healthcare workforce and to contribution to national and global efforts to combat AMR.

In conjunction with university activities, the WHO Country Office in Bahrain showcased an awareness poster on AMR, along with videos and an educational game inspired by the AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) antibiotics guide. These resources aimed to engage students and faculty members in understanding the significance of responsible antibiotic use and to promote best practices among the public, stakeholders, and policymakers, all of whom play key roles in the fight against AMR.