The Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Week Exhibition was launched on Saturday at RIPAS Hospital’s Lobby 5 by Acting Director General of Medical and Health Services at the Ministry of Health, Pengiran Dr Haji Md Khalifah bin Pengiran Haji Ismail.
Held in conjunction with World Antimicrobial Resistance Week (WAAW), the exhibition highlights the critical public health challenge posed by AMR and the collaborative efforts of multiple ministries to combat its spread.
Visitors can explore interactive booths showcasing how AMR affects human, animal, and environmental health, in line with the One Health Approach. The initiative aims to educate healthcare professionals and the public on the importance of addressing AMR through joint efforts.
Head of Infectious Diseases at RIPAS Hospital Dr Hajah Rosmonaliza binti Haji Awang Asli, emphasised that AMR awareness is vital for public health, requiring urgent action to mitigate its impact.
This year’s WAAW theme, “Educate. Advocate. Act Now,” underscores the need for collective action. Since 2018, Brunei’s multisectoral Brunei Darussalam AMR Committee (BDAMRC) has spearheaded initiatives to address AMR, including public education, medical talks, and collaborations with various sectors.
Ongoing activities include infographics shared on social media, media appearances on RTB’s Rampai Pagi, and a pet show featuring rabies vaccination and AMR discussions organized by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT). The Ministry of Development will host an environmental briefing and exhibition next week.
Dr Rosmonaliza noted that public awareness of AMR has significantly increased, as reflected in recent surveys. This progress aligns with global efforts led by organisations such as the WHO, WOAH, FAO, and UNEP under the Quadripartite framework.
The BDAMRC’s exhibition underscores Brunei’s commitment to tackling AMR as a pressing health and socioeconomic issue, integrating efforts across human, animal, and environmental sectors for a sustainable future.
WAAW, observed annually from November 18-23, continues to emphasize the interconnectedness of AMR’s impacts and the importance of coordinated global and local interventions. – LYNA MOHAMMAD
