Schoolchildren as Agents of Change towards Antimicrobial Resistance

Abstract

Schoolchildren are in their formative years, and therefore at an ideal stage in their lives to take in knowledge and best practices that will guide their future behavior. Through the Roll Back Antimicrobial Resistance (RBA) Initiative in Tanzania, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) School Clubs have successfully educated and empowered schoolchildren to become antibiotic guardians and AMR champions. Using appropriate language and consideration of the local context, the project has employed a variety of innovative activities, including AMR arts and crafts, competitions, storytelling and interactive learning that would teach children in an engaging and enjoyable manner. The School Club project has demonstrated how a mix of fun-based knowledge and skills transfer methods and rewarding competitions can change antimicrobial use knowledge and practice in schoolchildren.

Keywords

• antimicrobial resistance
• RBA Initiative
• AMR School Clubs
• schoolchildren