By: Adeleke Victor & Summonu Halimat
The management of the University of Ibadan launched the pioneer Antimicrobial Resistance Club at the Faculty of The Social Sciences Large Lecture Theatre on Friday, June 14th, 2024
This launch is a response to the growing number of deaths caused by resistance bacterial infections which continues to rise dangerously to high levels, especially in West African countries, says the President of the club, Abdulbasit Hamza.
“The club is going to be advocating, communicating, and also carrying out public awareness on the ongoing issue of public health Antimicrobial Resistance. It’s killing people and the populace including students has little or no knowledge about it,“ he said.
In her address, the Deputy vice-chancellor (academics), representing the Vice-Chancellor noted that the main reason why the club is launched is to create an awareness of antimicrobial use in the community, and facing antimicrobial resistance head-on can be achieved with the 300 students in the AMR club.
Prof. Victoria Adetunji, in her keynote lecture, also emphasized that this disease is a silent pandemic, and addressing it requires a collaborative approach of various health disciplines and stakeholders in fighting the menace.
Other important personalities that were in attendance iinclude: Prof. Ayodele Jegede of the Department of Sociology; Prof. Ogunjobi, Head of Microbiology; Prof. Adetunji Victoria, Head of Department, Veterinary Public Health; the Students Union President, Aweda Bolaji; Pharm Oyedokun, Head of Pharmacy of the University Health Clinic, Jaja amongst others.
