Regional
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) 2025
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(Banner photo: Champion team of the One Health AMR quiz competition, Rajshahi, Bangladesh)
11 Oct 2025 (Bangladesh) – A day-long Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Sensitisation Programme was successfully held at the Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Rajshahi (RU), in collaboration with Rajshahi Medical College (RMC). The event received technical and financial support from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) of Bangladesh, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The primary aim of the program was to raise awareness and foster collaboration between the medical and veterinary sectors to address antimicrobial resistance – an urgent concern within the One Health framework. Attendees included medical and veterinary interns, students, faculty members from RU & RMC, officials from DLS, Bangladesh AMR Response Alliance (BARA) members, and other professionals committed to public health concerns, including those from the environment and food agriculture sectors.
(11 Oct 2025) One Health AMR Quiz Competition at the Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Rajshahi (RU), Bangladesh.
(More pictures from the activities following.)
AMR Rally at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH).
Meeting among interns of veterinary and medical institutions with the hospital Director, Brigadier General Dr F. M. Shamim Ahmmed.
AMR awareness campaigns at the hospital wards of RMCH.
Honourable Vice-Chancellor, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services and Principal, Rajshahi Medical College at the award giving ceremony.
WOAH and FAO experts facilitating the OH AMR Quiz Competition using Mentimeter.
WOAH Bangladesh consultant, Dr M. Habibur Rahman, encouraging the next generation of clinicians to practice measures addressing antimicrobial resistance.
The ceremony was chaired by Professor Dr Moizur Rahman, Chairman of the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, RU and anchored by Dr Md. Sohel Rana, PhD, Focal Person-AMR MPTF Project in DLS.
Key Guests:
The hope is they will motivate peers, patients, and communities to join this collective fight and preserve the power of antibiotics for future generations.
Dr Sk. Shaheenur Islam, Deputy Director, Animal Health, Department of Livestock Services (DLS), and WOAH Focal Point for Veterinary Products in Bangladesh, discussed the current AMR status in livestock and poultry, emphasising the importance of biosecurity and prudent antibiotic use. Dr Nahreen Rahman, Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, RMC, addressed the human health aspects of AMR, highlighting clinical challenges and strategies for integrated control through the One Health approach.
Highlights from Address:
Dr Ananda Kumar Adhikari welcomed the participants, and Dr Md. Habibur Rahman introduced the WOAH and United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund (UN MPTF) collaborations, including global and local activities in Bangladesh, inspiring the next generation of clinicians to practice antimicrobial stewardship.
Dr Hamida Khalil Monira said that today’s students and interns are tomorrow’s great doctors, and that their “snowball” approach aims to inspire them to become advocates for responsible action against AMR. The hope is they will motivate peers, patients, and communities to join this collective fight and preserve the power of antibiotics for future generations.
Professor Dr Khandoker Mohammad Mozaffor Hossain emphasised strong academic collaboration between human and animal health institutions to produce a One Health workforce. Professor Dr KM Faisal Alam highlighted the need for early diagnosis and infection control in hospitals to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, along with commitments from the pharmaceutical industry to maintain drug quality.
Dr Md. Abu Sufiun presented government initiatives for monitoring antibiotic use in livestock and enhancing veterinary services through training, surveillance, and public engagement. He encouraged future medical doctors and veterinarians to practice rational drug use and collaborate under the One Health approach.
Professor Dr Saleh Hasan Naqib stressed AMR as a global threat, calling for universities to lead in research, education, and awareness efforts to combat antibiotic misuse. He advocated for stronger collaborations among academia, health professionals, and policymakers.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing the winners of the One Health AMR Quiz competition, which aimed to promote awareness among future prescribers for ensuring responsible AMU in practice. The workshop underscored the critical need for responsible antimicrobial use, cross-sectoral cooperation, and educational initiatives to mitigate the spread of AMR. The organizers expressed their gratitude to WOAH, FAO, and DLS for their continued support in advancing AMR awareness and promoting sustainable one health practices in Bangladesh.
